Improving healthcare quality and costs for older patients in Medicare programs

Accelerating the Shift to Downside Risk in Medicare Accountable Care Organizations: Effects on Clinical Quality and Costs among Older Patients

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11243575

This study looks at how changing the way Medicare groups handle financial risks can help older patients get better care and save money, by seeing how these changes affect the quality and efficiency of healthcare services they receive.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11243575 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how shifting financial risks in Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) can enhance the quality of care and reduce costs for older patients. By analyzing the impact of requiring ACOs to take on downside risk, the study aims to understand how this change influences healthcare delivery and efficiency. The approach involves evaluating existing ACOs and their performance metrics to identify best practices and potential pitfalls in this transition. The goal is to ensure that older patients receive better coordinated and higher-quality healthcare services.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are currently receiving care through Medicare and are part of an ACO.

Not a fit: Patients who are not enrolled in Medicare or those receiving care outside of ACOs may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healthcare quality and reduced costs for older patients enrolled in Medicare.

How similar studies have performed: Previous evaluations of Medicare ACO initiatives have shown improvements in care quality, suggesting that this approach has potential based on past successes.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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.