Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Introduction: Health insurance plays a pivotal role in mitigating healthcare costs and ensuring access to medical services. However, the impact of insurance coverage on healthcare accessibility, particularly in psychiatry, warrants exploration. Thus, the study aims to analyze healthcare-access disparities among individuals with depression across selected US states, comparing Medicaid and private insurance (Cigna), to analyze differences in mental health service availability.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study assessed healthcare access for depression cases in six states with low Medicaid coverage. Data collection involved sourcing lists of healthcare professionals from Health Grades in specific cities across six states with low Medicaid coverage. Inclusion criteria were applied to select physicians specializing in Psychiatry within a 10-mile radius who accept new patients and meet star rating criteria. A case scenario was then used to assess appointment availability by insurance type for patients with depression. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata Corp. 2023.
Results: Of the 73 physicians screened, 36 met inclusion criteria. No significant association was found between Medicaid and Cigna acceptance across states. Waiting days for appointments varied but lacked significant association with insurance type.
Conclusion: The study highlights disparities in healthcare access between Medicaid and Cigna across states, with implications for mental health service availability. Future research should focus on broader population coverage to substantiate these findings and address existing disparities through increased healthcare professional availability.