Investigating how health insurance affects cancer care access and disparities

Health Insurance and Disparities: More than Access

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11044404

This study looks at how health insurance affects people's ability to get cancer care, especially for different racial and ethnic groups and those living in cities versus rural areas, to find ways to make treatment more accessible for everyone.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11044404 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research examines the impact of health insurance on access to cancer care, particularly focusing on disparities among different racial and ethnic groups as well as urban and rural populations. It aims to understand how various factors related to insurance coverage, such as cost sharing and provider networks, contribute to differences in care access and financial burdens. By linking cancer registry data with comprehensive healthcare claims data, the study seeks to provide insights into the social determinants of health that affect patients' experiences with cancer treatment. The goal is to identify ways to improve access to care for underserved populations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are experiencing disparities in cancer care access due to their health insurance status.

Not a fit: Patients under the age of 65 or those without cancer may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved policies that enhance access to cancer care for diverse populations, ultimately reducing health disparities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing health insurance disparities can lead to improved access to care, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, 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.