# Cross-Sectional Study to Evaluate Disparity in Healthcare Access for Patients With a Headache Having Cigna or Medicaid Insurance

## TL;DR

This study finds differences in healthcare access for Medicaid and Cigna patients with headaches in several U.S. states.

## Contribution

The study reveals disparities in healthcare provider acceptance rates and waiting times between Medicaid and Cigna insurance holders.

## Key findings

- Medicaid and Cigna patients faced different average waiting times in Missouri, Nebraska, and Utah.
- New Hampshire had more providers accepting Medicaid, while Wyoming showed nearly equal acceptance rates.
- Disparities in healthcare access were observed across seven states with low Medicaid coverage.

## Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to study the disparity in Cigna and Medicaid insurance holders, to secure an appointment for a patient with a headache for two days unrelieved by over-the-counter medication.

Methodology: This is a cross-sectional “secret shopper” type study, assessing the three most populated cities in seven states with the lowest Medicaid coverage and Internal Medicine specialists within a 10-mile radius, with a minimum rating of 3 stars and a willingness to accept new patients.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the average waiting period for those with Medicaid and Cigna in the states of Missouri, Nebraska, and Utah, as well as the total average for all seven states. Moreover, there were more healthcare providers who accepted Medicaid rather than Cigna in New Hampshire; whereas in Wyoming, the numbers for Medicaid and Cigna were almost equal.

Conclusions: The significant Medicaid-Cigna acceptance rate disparities should be corrected to ensure higher healthcare access.