RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Health Care Costs Following COVID-19 Hospitalization Prior to Vaccine Availability
JF The Journal of the American Board of Family
                Medicine
JO J Am Board Fam Med
FD American Board of Family Medicine
SP 883
OP 891
DO 10.3122/jabfm.2023.230069R1
VO 36
IS 6
A1 Khan, Tamkeen
A1 Tsipas, Stavros
A1 Wozniak, Gregory D.
A1 Kirley, Kate
A1 Mainous, Arch G.
YR 2023
UL http://www.jabfm.org/content/36/6/883.abstract
AB Background: Postacute sequelae of coronavirus (PASC) disease of 2019 (COVID-19) include morbidity and mortality, but little is known of the impact on medical expenditures. This study measures patients’ health care costs after COVID hospitalization before vaccinations.Methods: The Merative MarketScan database is used to track trends in medical expenditures for commercially insured patients hospitalized for COVID-19 (case subjects) compared with COVID-19 patients not hospitalized (control subjects) using a propensity score matching model. Medical expenditures were estimated from 30-, 60-, and 120-day clean periods after an initial COVID-19 encounter through the end of 2020.Results: Average total medical expenditures were 96% higher for individuals hospitalized for COVID-19 starting 30 days after initial COVID-19 encounter and almost 70% higher 120 days after based on the propensity score matching. The average spending differential was $11,242 30 days after and $4959 120 days after. This effect is highest for inpatient admissions and services 60 days after at $56,862 and lowest among pharmaceuticals 120 days after at $329. The magnitude of the difference is greater for those with hypertension or diabetes where total expenditures is $14,958 30 days after, and $5962 120 days after compared with those without these chronic conditions.Discussion: The results suggest both health and economic implications for COVID-19 hospitalization and supports the use of vaccinations to help mitigate these implications. PASC includes increased health care costs for hospitalized patients, particularly for those with chronic conditions. Preventing COVID-19 hospitalization has economic value in terms of reduced medical spending in addition to health benefits associated with reduced morbidity and mortality.