Disparities in COVID-19 mortality by county racial composition and the role of spring social distancing measures.

Available COVID-19 data shows higher shares of cases and deaths occur among Black Americans, but reporting of data by race is poor. This paper investigates disparities in county-level mortality rates across counties with higher and lower than national average Black population shares using nonlinear regression decomposition and estimates potential differential impact of social distancing measures. I find counties with Black population shares above the national share have mortality rates 2 to 3 times higher than in other counties.

Affordable Care Act Provision Lowered Out-Of-Pocket Cost And Increased Colonoscopy Rates Among Men In Medicare.

Colorectal cancer screening is one of the few cancer screenings with an "A" rating from the US Preventive Services Task Force, meaning that the procedure confers a substantial health benefit. However, 40 percent of people who should receive colorectal cancer screenings do not receive them. Colonoscopies are the most thorough method of screening because they allow physicians to view the entire length of the colon and remove polyps as needed.

Mandated coverage of preventive care and reduction in disparities: evidence from colorectal cancer screening.

Objectives: We identified correlates of racial/ethnic disparities in colorectal cancer screening and changes in disparities under state-mandated insurance coverage.

Methods: Using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, we estimated a Fairlie decomposition in the insured population aged 50 to 64 years and a regression-adjusted difference-in-difference-in-difference model of changes in screening attributable to mandates.

Results: Under mandated coverage, blood stool test (BST) rates increased among Black, Asian, and Native American men, but rates among Whites also increased, so disparities did not change.

Colorectal Cancer Screening and State Health Insurance Mandates.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most deadly cancer in the USA. CRC screening is the most effective way to prevent CRC death, but compliance with recommended screenings is very low. In this study, we investigate whether CRC screening behavior changed under state mandated private insurance coverage of CRC screening in a sample of insured adults from the 1997 to 2008 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS).

Making time for well-baby care: the role of maternal employment.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children receive six well-baby visits between ages 1 month and 1 year, yet by age 14 months less than 10% of infants have received all six visits. Cost sharing under public and private insurance is very low. Low compliance rates despite the low cost of care suggest other factors, such as time costs, may be important.