FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 7, 2003

CONTACT:
Terry Keck, Manager
Missouri Asthma Prevention and Control Program
(800) 316-0935

Andrew Shea
Public Information Specialist
(800) 316-0935

Better Asthma Management Could Save Medicaid Millions

Recent analysis of existing data released today by officials at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services shows that the state's Medicaid system spent over $98 million on preventable asthma hospitalizations during the period 1993 - 1999. According to the officials, most of the hospitalizations could have been avoided with better access to primary care physicians, preventative medicine and asthma education. During the same period of time, Medicaid spent an additional $40 million on asthma-related emergency room visits, but it is unclear exactly how many of the visits could have been prevented.

Most of the asthma hospitalizations came from the eastern (St. Louis area - 45%) and northwestern (Kansas City/St. Joseph area - 24%) health districts, officials said.

"It's going to take persistent and collective efforts, at the national, state and community level, to impact the burden of asthma," said Terry Keck, manager of Missouri's Asthma Prevention and Control Program. "Too many Missourians are not effectively managing their asthma. This translates into expensive visits to hospitals and emergency rooms."

The Missouri Asthma Prevention and Control Program was established in late 2001 after the Department of Health and Senior Services received a three-year planning grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Program staff recently published an asthma burden report and will release a comprehensive state asthma action plan later this year.

Tips for Managing Asthma

· See your doctor often, at least every six months, and review your asthma treatment plan.

· Take your asthma medications exactly as prescribed.

· Stay away from or control triggers that make your asthma worse. Common asthma triggers include dust, animal dander, mold, tobacco smoke, pollen and certain types of weather.

· Watch for signs that your asthma is getting worse and take immediate action. Some critical signs of a breathing emergency include chest tightness, coughing, wheezing and the inability to do regular activities.