Insights from the recent Total Cost of Care Data Challenge
Indiana continues to rank among the least healthy states in the U.S., facing elevated rates of chronic disease, health disparities, and avoidable hospitalizations. Insights from the recent Total Cost of Care Data Challenge, where student teams analyzed Medicaid data, uncovered critical trends and opportunities for change.
While awareness of healthcare access is growing, the challenge highlighted that substantial progress is still needed to reduce preventable healthcare costs and deliver equitable, high-quality care—particularly for populations affected by chronic conditions, aging, and rural health disparities (Health Affairs, 2022).
The findings made it clear: meaningful cost reduction begins with early intervention and evidence-based strategies focused on high-risk populations.
Chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and mobility-related issues are major drivers of rising healthcare costs—particularly among Indiana’s aging population. More than 30% of Indiana seniors experience a fall each year, often resulting in serious injury, hospitalization, and millions in avoidable healthcare spending (Indiana Department of Health, 2023).
Compounding the issue, only 1 in 4 adults aged 65 and older meet recommended physical activity guidelines, contributing to the acceleration of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Together, inactivity and fall-related injuries are among the top cost drivers in senior care—highlighting the urgent need for targeted, preventive interventions.
The Total Cost of Care Challenge highlighted access as a major barrier to affordable, preventive healthcare—especially for high-risk populations. In Indiana, over one-third of adults report skipping or delaying care due to cost, even when insured. This lack of consistent, accessible care drives up the total cost of care by increasing reliance on emergency services and allowing chronic conditions to worsen. (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2023)
The Total Cost of Care Challenge underscored how limited access to primary care—particularly in rural areas—is a key driver of preventable healthcare costs. In Indiana, some counties have just one primary care provider to serve the entire population, contributing to delays in diagnosis, unmanaged chronic conditions, and increased emergency care use. With one physician for every 1,510 residents statewide, provider shortages remain a critical barrier to improving outcomes and lowering total healthcare costs. (Indiana Department of Health, 2023)
A lack of access to consistent, high-quality and affordable healthcare increases the risk and severity of chronic conditions, healthcare costs, the risk of poor health outcomes, health disparities and mortality rates. (National Institutes of Health, 2022)
The Total Cost of Care Challenge highlighted that limited access to consistent, high-quality, and affordable healthcare exacerbates chronic conditions and drives up overall healthcare costs. In Indiana, nearly 30% of adults with chronic conditions report forgoing necessary care due to cost barriers. This gap in care leads to worse health outcomes, escalating healthcare spending, and increased mortality rates. In response, Parkview is committed to addressing these critical gaps by implementing scalable solutions that enhance access and reduce preventable healthcare costs. (Indiana Health Coverage Program, 2023)