Introduction
Some states are using all-payer claims databases to identify potential areas for cost savings. It is still too early, however, to determine how effective databases are in helping states shape successful cost containment efforts.
In recent years, several states have established databases that collect health insurance claims information from all health care payers into a statewide information repository. Known as “all-payer claims databases” or “all-payer, allclaims databases,” they are designed to inform cost containment and quality improvement efforts. Payers include private health insurers, Medicaid, children’s health insurance and state employee health benefit programs, prescription drug plans, dental insurers, self-insured employer plans and Medicare (where it is available to a state).
