The impact of high deductible health plans on access to recommended medical care

High Deductible Health Plans and Receipt of Recommended Medical Care

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11023150

This study looks at how high deductible health plans might make it harder for people with chronic illnesses to get the medical care they need, especially when it comes to costs, and it also explores how these challenges can vary based on race, gender, and income.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11023150 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how high deductible health plans (HDHPs) affect patients' access to necessary medical care, particularly for those with chronic illnesses. It examines whether the financial burden of these plans leads to reduced healthcare utilization, which could hinder effective management of chronic conditions. The study will analyze patient spending on healthcare services and explore disparities in care based on race, gender, and income. By understanding these dynamics, the research aims to shed light on the implications of HDHPs for patient health outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are enrolled in high deductible health plans and have chronic illnesses.

Not a fit: Patients who are not enrolled in high deductible health plans or do not have chronic illnesses may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healthcare policies that ensure better access to necessary medical care for patients enrolled in high deductible health plans.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that high deductible health plans can negatively impact healthcare access, suggesting that this study builds on established findings rather than exploring a completely novel approach.

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 2026-06-10 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.