Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the airways in the lungs. It can be triggered by allergens, like dust mites and pet dander. Asthma causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to swelling that narrows the airways and reduces airflow. This makes breathing more difficult for people with asthma.
Medicaid plans in the US spend more than $20 billion a year on asthma
Medicaid plans in the US spend more than $20 billion a year on asthma, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open.
The researchers looked at Medicaid claims data from 2011 to 2016 and found that costs related to asthma totaled $21 billion annually (in 2016 dollars). Overall, they estimated costs were $18 per beneficiary per month during that time period. The average cost was highest among children ages 0 to 9 years at $23 per beneficiary per month, followed by those ages 10 to 24 years ($21) and 25 years or older ($20).
Managing asthma is a shared responsibility between doctors, patients and their families
Managing asthma is a shared responsibility between doctors, patients and their families. Patients need to take their medications as directed and avoid triggers that cause asthma episodes. They also should communicate with their doctor if they’re not feeling better after using medication for a few weeks or months. Patients must participate in care by having an action plan for when they experience symptoms.
Health care providers should offer support to patients in managing their asthma
When patients with asthma are not properly managed, it can lead to adverse health effects and increased costs for the Medicaid program. Healthcare providers should work with their patients to ensure they understand the importance of using their medications as prescribed. Patients may also benefit from education about self-management skills and techniques such as relaxation techniques, exercise, reducing allergens in the home environment, inhaled medication use during an asthma attack, and avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke (if possible). Comprehensive Asthma Care with Nightingale helps members with all of these crucial components.
Asthma costs are highest for asthmatic children aged 5-14
If you’re a family with an asthmatic child, the cost of their care is likely to be the largest single expense in your budget. In fact, according to research published in the journal Pediatrics, asthma costs are highest for children aged 5-14 years old.
Well-managed asthma can reduce the use of ER and hospital services
Asthma is a chronic disease that can be controlled with medication and avoidance of triggers. When people with asthma use their medications properly, they can avoid having to go to the emergency room or being admitted to the hospital.
When someone has poorly controlled asthma, they are more likely to have more frequent flare-ups and experience more intense symptoms (such as wheezing and coughing). As a result, they may end up visiting their doctor or urgent care clinic more often than someone who has well-managed asthma. This means higher costs for you as an employer or Medicaid plan sponsor!
Asthma costs can be reduced by working with patients to control their symptoms.
Asthma costs can be reduced by working with patients to control their symptoms or by offering a virtual therapy option like Nightingale. While we’ve covered a lot of ground here, it’s important to remember that we can do a lot to help members manage their asthma. As with Diabetes and MSK conditions, the costs associated with untreated – and undiagnosed – Asthma are rising rapidly, and we must act to meet the challenge.
