Medicaid Expansion and Paid Sick Leave Linked to Increased Colon Cancer Screening

Strategic Insights -

A new study published in Cancer has found that states with Medicaid expansion and paid sick leave laws have a significantly higher rate of colon cancer screening among adults aged 50-75. The research, conducted by a team of investigators at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) between 2012 and 2018. The study found that after policy implementation, colon cancer screening rates were 2.9 percentage points higher in states with both Medicaid expansion and paid sick leave compared to those with Medicaid expansion alone or no policies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that Medicaid expansion and paid sick leave laws were associated with a 2.9 percentage point increase in colon cancer screening rates among adults aged 50-75.
  • The study used a difference-in-differences analysis to compare colon cancer screening rates in states with Medicaid expansion and paid sick leave laws to those without such policies.
  • The study controlled for individual- and state-level covariates and used survey-weighted logistic regression models to account for the clustered standard errors.
  • The authors concluded that Medicaid expansion combined with paid sick leave was associated with a greater likelihood of being up-to-date with colon cancer screening compared to Medicaid expansion alone or neither policy.
  • The study highlights the importance of addressing healthcare disparities and promoting policies that increase access to preventive cancer screening.

Statistics:

  • 2.9 percentage point increase in colon cancer screening rates among adults aged 50-75 in states with Medicaid expansion and paid sick leave laws.
  • 2012-2018: the time period during which the researchers analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
  • 2012-2014: the pre-policy period used in the study.
  • 2015-2018: the post-policy period used in the study to compare colon cancer screening rates.

Sources:

  • A Difference-in-differences Analysis of Medicaid Expansion and State Paid Sick Leave Laws On Colorectal Cancer Screening. Cancer, 2025;131(10).
  • University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas
  • Jim P. Stimpson, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dept Hlth Econ Syst & Policy, Dallas, TX, United States
  • Joshua M. Liao, Anna M. Morenz, Joseph H. Joo, and Fernando A. Wilson are listed as additional authors on the study.