Treating the Uninsured and Underinsured with Migraine in the USA

Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2024 Mar;28(3):133-139. doi: 10.1007/s11916-023-01197-0. Epub 2023 Dec 14.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To define, describe, and identify potential solutions for health disparities in the uninsured and underinsured with migraine in the USA.

Recent findings: Uninsured and underinsured patients with migraine experience health disparities in diagnosis and treatment of migraine. Migraine patients have higher healthcare costs and higher employment disability, which contribute to a higher likelihood of uninsured or underinsured status. Uninsured or underinsured status, combined with factors such as race, socioeconomic status, geographic location, and care location, are correlated with delays in or decreased migraine diagnosis and treatment. Migraine prevalence is increased in the uninsured and underinsured. Potential solutions include advocacy for policy changes that improve access to care, increasing awareness and representation of underrepresented groups, providing resources to patients to reduce costs, and active patient engagement in migraine care. Continued efforts from all stakeholders have the potential to reduce health disparities in uninsured and underinsured patients with migraine, reducing disability and improving quality of life.

Keywords: Access; Disparity; Equity; Insurance; Race; Socioeconomic.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Employment
  • Humans
  • Medically Uninsured*
  • Migraine Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Migraine Disorders* / epidemiology
  • Migraine Disorders* / therapy
  • Quality of Life
  • United States / epidemiology