How changes in Medicare payments affect access to post-hospital care for older adults

The impact of post acute care payment changes on access and outcomes

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10764920

This study looks at how new Medicare payment rules might affect the care older adults receive when they leave the hospital, especially for those with conditions like Alzheimer's, to see if these changes could make it harder for some people to get the help they need.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10764920 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of new Medicare payment policies on post-acute care services, which help older adults transition from hospitals back to their homes. It focuses on skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies, examining how changes in reimbursement may impact the quality and accessibility of care for vulnerable populations, particularly those with conditions like Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to understand whether these payment reforms could lead to disparities in care for certain groups of patients. By analyzing data from various stakeholders, the research seeks to provide insights into the implications of these policy changes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, especially those with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, who require post-acute care services.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger or do not require post-acute care services may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access and quality of post-acute care for older adults, particularly those with complex health needs.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that changes in payment models can significantly affect healthcare access and quality, suggesting that this study's approach is relevant and necessary.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, 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.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndrome
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.