Hospitalizations declined in people with diabetes after they switched from a low- to high-deductible health plan (HDHP), according to a study involving nearly 24,000 individuals. Participants ranged between 12 and 64 years of age, had diabetes, and were enrolled in a HDHP at baseline. Investigators enrolled them in a low-deductible plan for a year, and then back into an HDHP. Investigators looked at emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations, with a particular focus on low-income individuals. Among the results:

• Overall, ED visits declined by 4% after transitioning to an HDHP.
• Direct hospitalizations fell by 11%.
• Total costs went down by 4%.
• High-severity ED visit costs were 24% higher in patients who lived in low-income areas.
• High-severity hospitalization days were 27% higher in this contingent.
• Overall, adverse outcomes did not change.