Medicaid Expansion in Kentucky Leads to Spike in Use of Preventive Health Services

When Kentucky expanded Medicaid on January 1, 2014, the state made a commitment to improving the health, quality of life, and long-term wellness of its residents. Early data suggest that Medicaid expansion is already having a positive impact: Since 2013, Kentucky has seen a 37 percent increase in the use of preventive care services that residents need to stay healthy and avoid chronic illness.

Kentucky ranks low on major health indicators

Kentucky has continually struggled with some of the worst health outcomes in the nation. In 2013, the state ranked 50 in cancer deaths and 45 in premature death. Additionally, Kentucky ranked 41 in annual dental visits and 45 in overall health status.

Kentucky’s decision to accept federal funds to extend Medicaid to cover all adults under 138 percent of the federal poverty level (about $16,000 per year for a single person), represents a significant step toward trying to change these statistics. Now more than 330,000 residents have access to affordable health insurance. Medicaid also covers regular check-ups, cancer screenings, and other essential preventive care at very low or no cost to the patient.

Since Medicaid expansion, more Kentuckians are using preventive care services

Recently released data from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services show an uptick in screenings and services compared to 2013:

• A 30 percent increase in breast cancer screenings
• A 3 percent increase in cervical cancer screenings
• A 16 percent increase in colorectal cancer screening
• A 37 percent increase in adult dental visits

How access to preventive care services helps Kentucky

Medicaid expansion and the access to preventive care services it allows can improve health outcomes for Kentucky residents. When people take advantage of preventive care screenings and check-ups, medical providers can identify health issues before they become serious and improve the success rates of treatment.

1. Preventive care services prolong life expectancy

For adults, breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings have been proven to prolong lives through early detection. Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths among women. With early detection, the 5-year survival rate for breast cancer is 90 percent and the 5-year survival rate for cervical cancer is nearly 100 percent. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and with early detection, its 5-year survival rate is higher than 90 percent. However, only 40 percent of colon cancer diagnoses are made during this early stage. With increased access to and use of cancer screenings, Kentuckians have the opportunity to detect these cancers sooner, receive treatment at earlier stages, and dramatically increase survival rates.