How insurance coverage affects health care access for children with autism during COVID-19

Insurance Mandate Generosity, COVID-19, and Health Care for Children with Autism

NIH-funded research Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC. · NIH-11010797

This study looks at how different state insurance rules affect access to health care for kids with autism, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, to find out what works best in helping these children get the care they need.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHarvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Canton, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11010797 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of state-level insurance mandates on access to health care services for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to analyze variations in insurance coverage across different states and how these differences affect health care utilization and unmet needs among children with ASD. By utilizing national survey data, the study will identify which specific features of insurance mandates are most beneficial for improving health care access. The findings will help inform policies to enhance health care financing for children with ASD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders who are affected by varying levels of insurance coverage.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have autism spectrum disorders or are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health care access and outcomes for children with autism by informing better insurance policies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that state insurance mandates can significantly impact health care access, suggesting that this study builds on established findings.

Where this research is happening

Canton, 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 autism spectral disorderautism spectrum disorder
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.