The poverty level where a patient lived similarly influenced coverage changes in non-expansion states only. Uninsured rates in expansion states decreased by 46 percent for patients who lived low-poverty areas (from 3.9 to 1.8 percent, p < 0.0001) versus 60 percent for those who lived in high-poverty areas (from 4.5 to 1.8 percent, p < 0.0001). In non-expansion states, conversely, only patients in less-impoverished areas experienced an increase in coverage, as the uninsured rate dropped by 27 percent in low-poverty areas (from 4.8 to 3.5 percent, p = 0.04) but rose by a relative two percent in high-poverty areas (from 10.9 to 11.1 percent, p = 0.17).

“This study is part of a developing body of research to quantify health care delivery changes under the ACA. The debate over health care reform is ongoing; our findings indicate that Medicaid expansion was effective at decreasing disparities and improving access to care for cancer patients receiving radiation. We now are assessing if these insurance changes translate to differences in patient survival,” said Dr. Chino.


The abstract, “Healthcare disparities in cancer patients receiving radiation: Changes in insurance status after Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act,” will be presented in detail during a news briefing and the late-breaking abstracts special session at ASTRO’s 59th Annual Meeting in San Diego (full details below). To schedule an interview with Dr. Chino and/or outside experts in health policy, contact ASTRO’s media relations team on-site at the San Diego Convention Center September 24 through 27, by phone at 703-286-1600 or by email.

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ATTRIBUTION TO THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF RADIATION ONCOLOGY (ASTRO) ANNUAL MEETING REQUESTED IN ALL COVERAGE.

This news release contains additional and/or updated information from the study author(s). Full original abstract and author disclosures available via email or at www.astro.org/annualmeeting.

Study Presentation Details

Scientific Session: Tuesday, September 26, 7:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Pacific time, San Diego Convention Center, room 5A
News Briefing: Tuesday, September 26, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Pacific time, San Diego Convention Center, room 24C, webcast: http://www.bit.do/astro17-3
Resources on Cancer and Radiation Therapy

Video: An Introduction to Radiation Therapy (Spanish version)
Additional brochures, videos and information on radiation therapy from ASTRO’s patient site, RTAnswers.org
Infographic: Protecting Patients in Health Care Reform
ASTRO’s clinical practice statements and guidelines
ABOUT ASTRO’S ANNUAL MEETING

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