Clinical and Economic Burden of COPD in a Medicaid Population

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the clinical and economic burden of COPD patients to Medicaid. Study Design: Retrospective, observational matched cohort design. Methods: We calculated the incremental costs incurred and medical resources used by COPD patients relative to those without COPD. Data were obtained from 8 Medicaid states during 2003–2007. COPD patients were defined as Medicaid beneficiaries ≥40 years with a COPD diagnosis (ICD-9 CM: 491.xx, 492.xx, 496.xx) and treated with maintenance drugs for COPD. Patients were matched (1:3) to Medicaid beneficiaries without a COPD diagnosis on age, gender, race, index year, Medicare/Medicaid dual eligibility, and use of long-term care. Results were stratified by Medicare/Medicaid dual eligibility status and race. Results: A total of 10,221 COPD and 30,663 non-COPD patients were included. Cohorts were on average 65 years of age, 80% White, and 64.8% having Medicare/Medicaid dual eligibility. Inpatient hospitalizations and home healthcare visits/durable medical...