Medicaid Expansion Increases Access for PDAC Patients in Southern States

Medicaid Expansion in southern states significantly increased insurance access for underserved groups with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Expanded states had a 36% higher odds of Medicaid insurance and increased proportions of insured black, rural, and impoverished patients. However, the odds of receiving radiation therapy decreased annually in expanded states. Although ME did not impact the diagnosis of early stage disease or the receipt of chemotherapy or surgery significantly, access to care for disadvantaged populations improved.