Medicaid Coverage and Emergency Department Utilization in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Overutilization of the emergency department (ED) is a significant problem in the United States (US), characterized mainly by patients with non-emergent conditions seeking care in a setting designed specifically for acute care. This has significantly increased healthcare costs in the US, a country with one of the most expensive healthcare systems in the world. ED overutilization was also found to be high among people with Medicaid coverage, especially since the Affordable Care Act was enacted with an expansion in Medicaid coverage.