Examining the effects of the Medicaid expansion on health outcomes

The study looks at the effects of the Medicaid expansion on health outcomes, healthcare utilization and access to healthcare through the Center of Disease Control's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. In particular, we looked into whether Medicaid Expansion has caused an increase in healthcare access, healthcare utilization, and positive health outcomes among newly insured Medicaid patients. We applied the difference-in difference models to cholesterol check, health plan, and medical cost. Our results indicated evidence a positive effect associated with state Medicaid expansions for adults and the utilization of preventive care increased in expansion states after the Medicaid expansion as more Medicaid recipients received blood pressure checks and regular primary care checkups relative to the nonexpansion states.