Black Patients Report More Out-of-Pocket Costs for Atopic Dermatitis

Among patients with atopic dermatitis in the United States, Black patients incurred increased out-of-pocket costs across a slate of health care categories. Researchers published their findings online ahead of print in the Archives of Dermatological Research.

“Taken together, these findings underscore the real-world out-of-pocket expense burden faced by Black Americans with atopic dermatitis,” researchers wrote.

To gauge out-of-pocket expenses associated with atopic dermatitis management among black patients, researchers invited members of the National Eczema Association to participate in a 25-question voluntary online survey. Some 1118 respondents who had atopic dermatitis or cared for someone with the condition met study inclusion criteria.

According to the results, Black patients tended to be younger, live in urban settings, have a lower household income, have Medicaid coverage, and have poor control of atopic dermatitis and frequent skin infections. Compared with patients who were not Black, those who were Black were significantly more likely to report out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications (both covered and not covered by insurance), emergency department visits, and outpatient laboratory testing.

The financial hit from out-of-pocket expenses was also higher among Black patients. Predictors of harmful financial impact included minimally controlled atopic dermatitis, systemic therapy, out-of-pocket expenses that ran more than $200 a month, and Medicaid coverage. Compared with other black patients or other patients with Medicaid coverage, black patients with Medicaid coverage had increased odds of a harmful financial impact from out-of-pocket expenses.

“In conclusion, among individuals with atopic dermatitis, [Black individuals reported] increased out-of-pocket expenses in a variety of unique health care categories and significant household financial impact,” researchers wrote. “Additional studies are needed to better understand unique out-of-pocket financial considerations among Black individuals and develop targeted approaches to reduce both the financial and overall burden of atopic dermatitis.”

Reference:
Chovatiya R, Begolka WS, Thibau IJ, Silverberg JI. Financial burden and impact of atopic dermatitis out-of-pocket healthcare expenses among black individuals in the United States [published online ahead of print September 27, 2021]. Arch Dermatol Res. doi:10.1007/s00403-021-02282-3