The association between state Medicaid expansion and human papillomavirus vaccination

Increased vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) is recommended to reduce the incidence of anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. This study aims to evaluate the impact of Medicaid expansion by states on HPV vaccination uptake among adolescents ages 13–17 in the United States. This study analyzed data from the National Immunization Survey (NIS) – Teen from 2011 to 2017 using a cross-sectional design. The adjusted difference-in-difference estimate of Medicaid expansion on HPV vaccine initiation was statistically significant (β = 0.031, 95% CI [0.016, 0.046]). There were significant increases in HPV vaccination after states expanded their Medicaid program. The largest increase occurred in those individuals below the federal poverty level and a modest increase occurred in those above the federal poverty level but below $75,000 of annual family income. Further research should be conducted to analyze the combined effect of multiple policies on HPV vaccination.