Publications
Effects of COVID-19 on Health Care Costs at End-of-Life in Colorado, 2020-2021
Released: June 2024
This study examined end-of-life (EOL) health care utilization, medical, and pharmacy costs among Coloradans who died during the COVID-19 pandemic years 2020-2021. The findings are based on 2020-2021 claims data in the Colorado All Payer Claims Database (CO APCD) and death registry information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Amidst the pandemic, managing EOL care posed significant challenges, with disparities in care intensity and hospice utilization across insurance types. This research aimed to highlight these disparities and assess the impact of COVID-19 on EOL care, considering demographic variables.