Immediate Release

Media Contact: 

Adjoa Kyerematen

akyerematen@nmqf.org

202-220-8505 

New Study Highlights Disparities in Influenza Healthcare Access Among Vulnerable Populations

National Minority Quality Forum and Opella Highlight Low Access to Antiviral Medication Amidst Worst Flu Season

Washington D.C. (May 29, 2025) — A new peer-reviewed study conducted by National Minority Quality Forum in collaboration with Opella and published in PLOS One reveals substantial differences in care and treatment for influenza between Medicaid and commercially insured patients. Using data from 2015 to 2019, the study highlights crucial gaps in access to influenza care and timely treatment for Medicaid recipients, underscoring the need for more equitable care delivery and expanded influenza antiviral access.

The article, Comparative analysis of influenza healthcare disparities in the United States using retrospective administrative claims from Medicaid and commercial databases, 2015-2019, found: 

• Overreliance on Emergency Care: Medicaid enrollees often turn to the ER for flu treatment, highlighting barriers to routine care and the need for more accessible flu treatment options.
• Low Antiviral Access: Medicaid patients receive fewer antiviral prescriptions after a flu diagnosis, indicating serious gaps in healthcare continuity.
• Higher Flu-Related Hospitalization Rates: Medicaid enrollees had a substantially higher inpatient flu hospitalization rate (34 per 100,000) compared to individuals with commercial insurance (3.9 per 100,000). In both populations, non-Hispanic Black patients experienced the highest rates of inpatient hospitalizations, highlighting ongoing disparities in influenza care.

The 2024-2025 flu season in the US has been classified as “high severity” for all age groups, marking the first such designation since 2017-2018. While transmission is now at low levels, the season has seen a significant impact, including a high number of pediatric deaths. The CDC reports that the cumulative hospitalization rate for this season is the highest since 2010-2011.

A Call to Action: Addressing Influenza-Related Health Disparities

As the U.S. continues to navigate its worst flu season in 15 years, this study makes the case for policymakers, healthcare providers, and public health organizations to address inequities in flu care and outcomes. 

“These findings reveal systemic barriers that delay timely flu care and treatment for vulnerable populations,” said Jennifer L. Matas, PhD, MPH, the study’s lead author and Lead Research Epidemiologist at the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF). “Medicaid patients often rely on emergency departments for flu care, and just half receive antiviral treatment. Strengthening access to both primary care and timely treatment is key to ensuring more equitable health outcomes.” 

The study was conducted collaboratively between NMQF and Opella.

“As the findings bring to life, there is a clear need to address the inequities that impact flu care and outcomes in underserved communities,” said Mario Cruz-Rivera, PhD, MPH, Global Medical Director-Rx-to-OTC Switch at Opella and a co-author on the study. “We believe over-the-counter antiviral treatments could alleviate the strains on the healthcare system and better support Medicaid populations who currently have very limited access to the care they need.”

About National Minority Quality Forum

Founded in 1998, National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) is a United States-based, healthcare research, education, and advocacy organization whose mission is to reduce patient risk and advance health equity by assuring optimal care for all. The mission is to reduce patient risk of hospitalizations, emergency room visits, disabilities, and death, while also promoting high-quality, long lives, particularly for the most vulnerable. NMQF utilizes data and research to support and mobilize healthcare organizations, leaders, policymakers, and patients in advocating for optimal care for every individual, especially those in minoritized communities. For more information, please visit http://www.nmqf.org.

About Opella

Opella is the self-care challenger with the purest and third-largest portfolio in the Over-The-Counter (OTC) & Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements (VMS) market globally. Our mission is to put health in people’s hands by making self-care as simple as it should be for over half a billion consumers worldwide. At the core of this mission is our 100 brands, our 11,000-strong global team, our 13 best-in-class manufacturing sites and four specialized science and innovation development centers. Headquartered in France, Opella is the proud maker of many of North America’s most loved brands, including Allegra, Dulcolax, Icy Hot, Xyzal, Unisom and Cortizone-10. B Corp certified in multiple markets, we are active players in the journey towards healthier people and planet. Find out more about our mission at www.opella.com.