Improving access to treatment for alcohol use disorder through Medicaid managed care

Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder in Medicaid Managed Care

NIH-funded research University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-10837752

This study looks at how Medicaid plans help people get treatment for alcohol use disorder and what challenges they face in accessing care, with the goal of making it easier for those in need to receive support and treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10837752 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) cover treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and how their policies affect patient access to care. By examining 142 MCO plans across 18 states, the study aims to identify barriers in the treatment process, from diagnosis to ongoing support. The research employs innovative methods to analyze how different coverage designs impact patient outcomes, ultimately seeking to enhance the treatment landscape for individuals struggling with AUD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals enrolled in Medicaid who are struggling with alcohol use disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who are not enrolled in Medicaid or who do not have alcohol use disorder may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to effective treatment for alcohol use disorder for vulnerable populations covered by Medicaid.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that improving access to treatment for substance use disorders can lead to better health outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Columbia, 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 ethanol use disorderalcohol use 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.