How social needs affect primary care use after Medicaid expansion in Virginia
Official title: The relationship between social needs and primary care use after enrollment in Virginia’s Medicaid expansion: The influence of sociocultural and built environments
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10982492 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how expanding Medicaid in Virginia helps low-income people get better access to primary care and whether it also helps with issues like food and housing insecurity, so they can receive the healthcare they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | November 10, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $42,911 |
| NIH project number | 5F30MD018324-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10982492 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are low-income individuals under 21 years old who have recently enrolled in Medicaid expansion in Virginia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not enrolled in Medicaid or those who do not face social needs related to food and housing insecurity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of Medicaid expansion on access to primary care for low-income individuals in Virginia, focusing on how social needs are influenced by sociocultural and built environments. By analyzing data from surveys and health claims of newly enrolled Medicaid members, the study aims to understand the relationship between social determinants of health and healthcare access. The research will explore whether Medicaid expansion helps reduce food and housing insecurity, thereby improving primary care utilization. This comprehensive approach will provide insights into the barriers faced by individuals in accessing healthcare services.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healthcare access and reduced disparities for low-income individuals in Virginia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that Medicaid expansion can improve access to healthcare, but this study aims to explore the specific influences of social needs and environments, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shadowen, Hannah — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Shadowen, Hannah
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.