2013 HSR Impact Awardee
In 2008, the state of Oregon drew names by lottery for its Medicaid program for low-income, uninsured adults, creating a first-of-its kind opportunity to assess the effects of public insurance expansions on health care use, health, and other outcomes through both primary data collection and secondary data sources.
Capitalizing on this opportunity, the Oregon Health Insurance Experiment, which represents a partnership between academic, non-profit, and public sector researchers, as well as public and private financing, offers timely and relevant information that policymakers need to make key program decisions.
Results from a study drawing on mail surveys and administrative data from the first year after random assignment indicate that enrollment in Medicaid substantially increases health care use, reduces financial strain, and improves self-reported health and well-being.
This study has important implications for the costs and benefits of expanding Medicaid – a particularly salient issue in light of the choice states face to expand coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
The AcademyHealth Board of Directors created the HSR Impact Award to recognize research that has had a significant impact on health and health care. The award, which is supported by AcademyHealth, is intended to identify and promote examples of outstanding research that have been successfully translated into health policy, management, or clinical practice.