Out-of-Pocket Costs and Health-Related Social Needs Among Households With Children

What is the association between high out-of-pocket medical spending and health-related social needs (ie, the ability to access healthy foods, pay essential bills, and live in quality housing) among US households with children?In this cohort study of 6940 households with children, out-of-pocket medical financial burden exceeding either 5% or 10% of household income was associated with food insecurity in the following year.These findings suggest that high out-of-pocket medical costs may make it more difficult for households to afford health-related social needs, potentially contributing to adverse health outcomes.

Corresponding Author: Michael Caniglia, PhD, MPA, Center for Child Health Equity and Outcomes Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Way, Columbus, OH 43205 (Michael.caniglia@nationwidechildrens.org).

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