Life expectancy among Medicaid beneficiaries with autism spectrum disorder was 13.8 years shorter than among the U.S. general population, according to a study published Sept. 10 in JAMA Network Open.
Researchers from New York City-based Columbia University and University of Colorado Anschutz in Aurora, Co., analyzed enhanced Medicaid data linked with National Death Index data for all U.S. Medicaid beneficiaries from 2000 to 2020. More than 2 million people with autism spectrum disorder were enrolled in Medicaid during the study period.
Life expectancy among Medicaid beneficiaries with autism spectrum disorder was 64.9 years, compared with 5.6 years longer for the overall Medicaid population and 13.8 years longer for the U.S. general population. Medicaid beneficiaries with autism spectrum disorder also had a 44% higher risk for death than other Medicaid beneficiaries.
The life expectancy deficit compared with the U.S. general population was 16 years among autistic women and 11.6 years among autistic men.
Excess death among autistic Medicaid beneficiaries was most pronounced with flu, malnutrition, pneumonitis due to inhalation of solids and liquids, non-transport accidents, drowning, and pneumonia.
At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place November 4–5 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.
