Utilization and patient experiences of telehealth among Medicaid expansion enrollees

Telehealth can promote access to health care, especially among individuals enrolled in Medicaid. However, we currently lack data on patient experiences of telehealth from low-income individuals. Using data collected in 2021 and 2022 from a statewide survey of enrollees in the Heathy Michigan Plan, Michigan's Medicaid expansion program, we conducted an analysis to study patients' experiences of using telehealth. Approximately one-third of enrollees reported a telehealth visit within the past year. Individuals reporting barriers to primary care were more likely to have had a telehealth visit compared with those reporting no barriers to primary care. Among those who had a telehealth visit, most individuals reported that telehealth provided care they could not or would not otherwise receive (63.3%; 95% CI: 58.9%-67.5%) and were satisfied with telehealth adequately addressing their health concerns (92.1%; 95% CI: 89.4%-94.1%). Our findings that telehealth was largely accepted among Medicaid enrollees can help inform policy that shapes its future implementation.