OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can increase the risk of disability and income loss. An updated study assessing healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and expenditures is required. This study aimed to explore the HCRU, total, and out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures among adults with RA.

METHODS: This study evaluated the HCRU, total, and OOP expenditure in adults diagnosed with RA identified based on the 2017-2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data. Descriptive weighted analyses were considered to assess of inpatient visits, emergency department visits, outpatient visits, office-based visits, prescription medications, dental care, and home health services. All cost values were converted to 2023 US dollars using the CPI index.

RESULTS: This study identified 4,949 patients with RA diagnosis, which represented a national estimation of 9.75 million US adults according to MEPS data. The study cohort had a mean age of 61.29±0.41, where the majority of them were female (61.99%), and White (62.94%). Important components of HRU were the number of inpatient visits: 0.23 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21-0.26), emergency department visits: 0.45 (95% CI: 0.41-0.49), office-based visit: 10.36 (95% CI: 9.79-10.94), and the number of prescription medication and refills: 28.14 (95% CI: 26.45-29.83). The mean total healthcare expenditure for RA patients was $18,284 (95% CI: $16,610.48-$19,956.71), with inpatient care and prescription expenditures accounting for 41.24% and 33.70% of expenditures, respectively. Meanwhile, the total OOP cost was $1,461.69 (95% CI: $1,331.68-$1,591.71) among RA patients.

CONCLUSIONS: This national study involving RA patients found that RA is associated with a significant burden on the US healthcare system, with a major contribution from inpatient care and prescription drugs. Further studies are needed to identify the predictors of HCRU and expenditure in RA patients.