Examining how Medicaid expansion affects mortality rates in rural areas of the U.S.

Supplement: The impact of Medicaid expansion on the rural mortality penalty in the United States (Postbac)

NIH-funded research Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-10985588

This study looks at how expanding Medicaid affects death rates from preventable health issues in rural areas, especially for adults aged 19-64, to see if having better access to healthcare makes a difference in keeping people healthier.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (University Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-10985588 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of Medicaid expansion on mortality rates in rural areas of the United States, particularly focusing on preventable causes of death such as cardiovascular issues and alcohol use. By analyzing data on mortality rates among adults aged 19-64, the study aims to understand how access to healthcare through Medicaid has influenced these rates, especially across different demographic groups. The research employs a difference-in-difference methodology to compare states that adopted Medicaid expansion with those that did not, providing insights into the effectiveness of this policy. The findings could help inform future healthcare policies and improve health outcomes in rural communities.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 19-64 living in rural areas of the United States who may be affected by healthcare access issues.

Not a fit: Patients living in urban areas or those outside the age range of 19-64 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healthcare policies that reduce preventable deaths in rural populations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that Medicaid expansion can positively impact health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

University Park, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.