Medicare Advantage and Transplant Access for Rural and Vulnerable Communities
Official title: Medicare Advantage and Transplant Access among Rural and Socially Vulnerable Communities
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11450384 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at understanding how Medicare Advantage affects early steps to kidney transplant for adults in rural or socioeconomically challenged groups.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $833,155 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MD021301-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11450384 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults age 21 and older with or at risk of end-stage kidney disease, particularly in rural or socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not in the affected populations or those not seeking transplantation within the near term may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how different Medicare plans influence the speed and likelihood of getting referred, evaluated, and placed on the transplant waitlist for adults with end-stage kidney disease. Researchers will analyze real-world data and patient pathways to identify barriers created by plan design, geography, and socioeconomic factors. The goal is to inform practical strategies that clinics, insurers, and patients can use to shorten delays and improve access to transplantation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to earlier referrals and higher waitlisting rates for kidney transplant among vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown gaps in early transplant steps and differential outcomes by insurance type and geography, indicating room for effective interventions.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilk, Adam Steven — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Wilk, Adam Steven
Related research
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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.