Definition

Total medical assistance expenditures.

Numerator

Total medical assistance expenditures.

Denominator

Not applicable.

Why Is This Important?

As the Utah population has grown, so has the number of Utahns receiving assistance from Medicaid. The increase in Medicaid enrollees combined with increases in the costs of providing health care cause the Medicaid medical assistance expenditures to rise over time.

How Are We Doing?

Over the past several years, initiatives to increase services to Medicaid clients, such as cancer screening, healthy mothers and babies, well child care, dental care, and assistive medical devices, have contributed to increases in overall health care utilization and Medicaid expenditures.

How Do We Compare With the U.S.?

Because the relatively healthy population in Utah, we have lower per capita total health care expenditures than most states (regardless of payor), and lower per capita Medicaid expenditures than most states.

Available Services

MEDICAID: In the Salt Lake City area, call '''(801) 538-6155'''.[[br]] In Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada, call '''toll-free 1-800-662-9651'''.[[br]] From other states, call '''(801) 538-6155'''.[[br]] ''Medicaid Customer Service staff are available to take your calls Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Thursday hours are 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) Closed on all state and federal holidays.'' The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a state health insurance plan for children who do not have other insurance. It provides well-child exams, immunizations, doctor visits, hospital, emergency care, prescriptions, hearing and eye exams, mental health services, and dental care. Preventative services (well-child visits, immunizations, and dental cleanings) do not require a co-pay.[[br]] For more information, call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669) or visit the [http://www.health.utah.gov/chip CHIP website]. Apply online, mail-in an application, or visit a DWS office.

Relevant Population Characteristics

A large proportion of Utah Medicaid expenditures go toward pregnant mothers, infants, and children in low-income households. Over one fourth of all births in Utah are paid by the Utah Medicaid program.

Health Care System Factors

Rising health care costs overall are one factor causing Utah Medicaid costs to increase. Shifts in the economy also influence the number of Utahns who are eligible to receive Medicaid-covered services.

Data Source

Division of Integrated Healthcare, Utah Department of Health and Human Services

Data Source

Division of Integrated Healthcare, Utah Department of Health and Human Services

References and community resources

For data on state health care expenditures:[[br]] Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Office of the Actuary, National Health Statistics Group (Health Care Expenditure Estimates)[[br]] [http://www.cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/Statistics-Trends-and-Reports/NationalHealthExpendData/index.html]