Effects of cost sharing on care seeking and health status: Results from the Medical Outcomes Study

Objectives. This study sought to determine the effect of cost sharing on me dical care use for acute symptoms and on health status among chronically il l adults. Methods. Data from the Medical Outcomes Study were used to compare (1) rate s of physician care use for minor and serious symptoms and (2) 6- and 12-mo nth follow-up physical and mental health status among individuals at differ ent levels of cost sharing. Results. In comparison with a no-copay group, the low- and high-copay group s were less likely to have sought care for minor symptoms, but only the hig h-copay group had a lower rate of seeking care for serious symptoms. Follow -up physical and mental health status scores were similar among the 3 copay groups. Conclusions. In a chronically Ill population, cost sharing reduced the use of care for both minor and serious symptoms. Although no differences in sel f-reported health status were observed, health plans featuring cost sharing need careful monitoring for potential adverse health effects because of th eir propensity to reduce use of care that is considered necessary and appro priate.