How bundled payments affect access to healthcare for vulnerable populations

The effect of voluntary bundled payments on vulnerable populations

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10817038

This study looks at how a new way of paying for healthcare, called voluntary bundled payments, affects access to care and health outcomes for vulnerable groups, like racial and ethnic minorities and people with lower incomes, especially for serious conditions like joint replacements and heart failure, while also considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10817038 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of voluntary bundled payments on healthcare access and outcomes for vulnerable populations, including racial and ethnic minorities and individuals with low socioeconomic status. The study aims to understand whether these payment models help or hinder these groups by examining provider behaviors and patient selection. It focuses on critical health conditions such as lower extremity joint replacement, congestive heart failure, and sepsis, which are known to have significant disparities in care. The research will also consider how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced these dynamics.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include racial and ethnic minorities and individuals with low socioeconomic status who are affected by healthcare disparities.

Not a fit: Patients who do not belong to vulnerable populations or who are not affected by the disparities in healthcare access and outcomes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healthcare access and outcomes for vulnerable populations by informing better payment policies.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown that payment reform can impact healthcare access and outcomes, but the specific effects of voluntary bundled payments on vulnerable populations are still being explored.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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 2026-06-13 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.