Two new studies cast a negative light on "free" healthcare. First off, I support the private health insurance subsidies aspect of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Two new studies indicate that Medicaid coverage results in worse outcomes than no health care coverage, so based on these two studies I support Medicaid reform, NOT Medicaid expansion. The first study is out of Oregon and concludes,
This randomized, controlled study showed that Medicaid coverage generated no significant improvements in measured physical health outcomes in the first 2 years, but it did increase use of health care services, raise rates of diabetes detection and management, lower rates of depression, and reduce financial strain.
The second study is out of Quebec and found "that children had worse academic outcomes after being treated with one particular stimulant." Here is the
background,
In 1997, a policy reform in Quebec expanded insurance coverage for medications. It was accompanied by a dramatic increase in adolescents' use of Ritalin, one of the stimulant commonly prescribed to treat ADHD, and similar medications, relative to the rest of Canada. In theory, more treatment should be accompanied by improved outcomes in areas like education, where kids with ADHD often struggle.
These two studies indicate that with "free" health care you get what you pay for! We really should be focusing on strengthening the health care insurance exchanges and reducing the size of Medicaid.