Managing risk for high-cost individuals

Public programs enroll far more high-risk individuals, and public program enrollees tend to be sicker than those in private health insurance. In 2005, more than one-fourth of adult Medicaid enrollees reported being in fair or poor health, compared to one-eighth of low-income adults enrolled in private insurance. These Medicaid enrollees also were more likely to suffer from a chronic disease or face limitations in completing daily tasks. In this same year, more women and minorities were also enrolled in Medicaid—two populations that are associated with higher medical expenditures.