Readmission Rates Across All Insurance Types After Passage of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program: A Nationwide Analysis

Abstract

Background: Since implementation of the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program (HRRP), readmissions have declined for Medicare patients with target conditions. It is unknown whether similar reductions occurred for other insurance groups. Methods: Readmission rates across all insurance types were analyzed to understand whether readmissions changed in the pre- and post-HRRP periods for target conditions, compared to control. Results: Medicare readmissions declined faster after HRRP implementation, both in aggregate and for individual target conditions. For Medicaid patients, there was a stronger decline for certain target conditions, while readmissions for privately-insured patients were not found to decline after HRRP implementation. Conclusions: The HRRP was associated with readmission reductions beyond Medicare patients. Future studies are needed to inform interventions to improve Medicaid readmissions, and understand any unintended consequences of the policy.