Objective: Examine the association between gaps in Medicaid coverage and negative health events (NHEs) for people with epilepsy (PWE).
Methods: Using five years of Medicaid claims for PWE, we identified gaps in Medicaid coverage. We used logistic regression to evaluate the association between a gap in coverage and being in the top quartile of NHEs and factors associated with having a gap. These models adjusted for: demographics, residence, medication adherence, disease severity, and comorbidities.
Results: Of 186,616 PWE, 21.7% had a gap in coverage. The odds of being in the top quartile of NHEs per year were 66% higher among those with a gap (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.61, 1.70). Being female, younger, and having psychiatric comorbidities increased the odds of having a gap.
Conclusions: Gaps in Medicaid coverage are associated with being a high utilizer during covered periods. Specific groups could be targeted with interventions to reduce churning.