Impact of Free Universal Medical Coverage on Medical Care and Outcomes in Low-Income Patients Hospitalized for Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND: The type of medical coverage in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may affect their treatment and outcome. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used the reimbursement database from the French National Health Insurance to determine the impact of full medical coverage (Couverture Médicale Universelle Complémentaire, CMUC), a free supplemental insurance for low-income earners <60 years of age, on treatment and outcomes of patients with AMI. The population comprised consecutive patients <60 years of age hospitalized for AMI from January to June 2006 in France. Of 4939 patients with AMI aged <60 years, 587 (12%) were on the CMUC. CMUC patients were younger, with more prior cardiovascular and comorbid conditions. CMUC and non-CMUC patients were admitted to the same types of institutions, including academic hospitals and private clinics. The use of cardiac catheterization and coronary interventions was similar (adjusted relative risk, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.91-1.05; P=0.45). In-hospital mortality was also comparable (3.1% versus 2.8%, P=0.69). There was no difference in early use of secondary prevention medications after multivariate adjustment. At 30 months, survival and acute coronary syndrome-free survival were lower in CMUC patients (trend, not significant after adjustment). Long-term adherence to statin therapy was lower in CMUC patients (64% versus 77%; adjusted relative risk, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.73-0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Free full coverage for socially deprived people levels inequalities in the acute and midterm treatment of AMI patients. However, full reimbursement per se is not sufficient to ensure optimal patient adherence to secondary prevention medications and may not be enough to prevent an excess of long-term events.