CAN MEDICAID MANAGED CARE PROVIDE CONTINUITY OF CARE TO NEW MEDICAID ENROLLEES - AN ANALYSIS OF TENURE ON MEDICAID

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to analyze duration of cover age among new Medicaid enrollees. Methods. The 1991 Survey of Income a nd Program Participation was used to examine the duration of coverage for individuals who did not have Medicaid in January 1991 and obtained coverage by May 1993. Results. Of new Medicaid enrollees, 38% (90% co nfidence interval [CI]=34%, 42%) remained covered 1 year later; 26% (9 0% CI-21%, 31%) remained covered at 28 months. Of those older than 65 years, 54% (90% CI=31%, 77%) retained Medicaid for 28 months, vs 20% ( 90% CI=14%, 26%) of children. Of people who lost Medicaid, 54% (90% CI =31%, 77%) had no insurance the following month. Conclusions. Almost t wo thirds of new Medicaid recipients lose coverage within 12 months. I t is unlikely that Medicaid managed care will enhance continuity of ca re for new recipients.