In Texas, as in other states, the proliferation of niche hospitals has raised concern about the potential financial impact of these hospitals on full-service general hospitals. This report compares the financial status of physician-owned niche hospitals and general hospitals in Texas, analyzes...

The recent, rapid proliferation of specialty hospitals, or "niche hospitals," has captured the attention of both the federal government and a variety of states—especially Texas. This report reviews the literature that has addressed the motivations and effects of niche hospitals in their...

In 2007, the state of Minnesota considered establishing a Health Insurance Exchange to serve small groups and individuals, facilitating access to coverage, choice among insurance products, portability of coverage, and affordability. Mathematica studied the coverage, cost, and fiscal impacts of a...

Resolving the national debate on health care affordability is likely to involve determining how consumer demand for health insurance and health care responds to changes in price or income. Estimates of these responses—measured as price and income elasticities—are often the basis...

Researchers investigated whether a subsidized state health insurance purchasing arrangement for small employers could be useful in reducing the high and growing number of uninsured workers and dependents in Missouri. This report discusses eligibility, enrollment scenarios, cost, and other...

This report focuses on a CareFirst nonprofit affiliate, General Health and Medical Services, Inc., (GHMSI) and its potential role in providing community benefits in the national capital area. The study features three perspectives: (1) community health leaders' viewpoints about community needs;...

The federal government spent $79.7 billion more in 2005 to treat those with diabetes and care for its complications than it spent for those without diabetes—12 percent of total federal health care spending nationwide. A significant share of this spending is potentially avoidable, to the...

This study examined the distribution of diabetic medications among adults with type 2 diabetes, and the association between glucose control and treatment approach. During 1999–2004, approximately 60 percent of adults with type 2 diabetes used only oral agents to manage their diabetes. Use of...

This study examined the distribution of diabetic medications among adults with type 2 diabetes, and the association between glucose control and treatment approach. During 1999–2004, approximately 60 percent of adults with type 2 diabetes used only oral agents to manage their diabetes. Use...