Financial Burden of Atopic Dermatitis Out-of-Pocket Health Care Expenses in the United States

Wendy Smith Begolka*, Raj Chovatiya, Isabelle J. Thibau, Jonathan I. Silverberg

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with considerable financial cost. However, the full burden of out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses is not well understood. Objective We sought to characterize the OOP health care expenses associated with AD management. Methods A 25-question voluntary online survey was administered to National Eczema Association members worldwide (n = 113,502). Inclusion criteria (US residents age ≥18 years who either self-reported had AD or were primary caregivers of individuals with AD) were met by 77.3% (1118/1447) of respondents. Results Respondents reported OOP expenses in 3 categories: (1) health care providers and prescriptions, including health care provider visit deductibles (68.7% [686]), prescription co-pays (64.3% [635]), and prescriptions not covered by insurance (48.6% [468]); (2) nonprescription health care products, including moisturizers (94.3% [934]), hygiene products (85.0% [824], allergy medications (75.1% [715]), itch relievers (68.25% [647]), dietary supplements (52.2% [491]), and sleep aids (37.0% [336]); and (3) complementary approaches, including cleaning products (74.7% [732]), clothing/bedding (44.8% [430]), alternative medications (19.0% [180]), and adjunctive therapies (15.9% [150]). The median annual AD OOP expense was US $600 (range, US $0-$200,000), with 41.9% (364) reporting expenditures US $1000 or greater. Conclusions Out-of-pocket expenses place a significant financial burden on individuals with AD. Additional studies are needed to better understand associations and impact of OOP costs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)S62-S70
JournalDermatitis
Volume32
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2021

Funding

R.C. reports personal fees from Abbvie and RegeneronSanofi. J.S. reports personal fees from Abbvie, Anaptysbio, Asana, EliLilly, Galderma, GlaxoSmithKline, Kiniksa, Leo, Menlo, Pfizer, Realm, RegeneronSanofi, and Roivant, and grants from GlaxoSmithKline, RegeneronSanofi, and Galderma. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. Funding support was received from National Eczema Association.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Dermatology

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