Effects of Private and Public Health Insurance on Diagnosis of Heart Disease

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between the presence of private or federal health insurance and the chances of being diagnosed with heart disease. Secondary data from the Meals on Wheels Longitudinal study (n=807) was used. A two sample Z test for difference in proportions was used to study the relationship between the presence of health insurance and the chances of being diagnosed with heart disease, while controlling for age, income, and nutrition. There was no statistically significant relationship between the presence of health insurance and diagnosis of heart disease (P-value = 0.071). Relative risk was calculated to see the probability of not getting heart disease if a subject has insurance. There is a 12% benefit of an insured person preventing a diagnosis of heart disease (RR =0.88). The result of this study can help inform the debate on the effects of health insurance on a person`s chance of being diagnosed with heart disease and other preventable illnesses.