The impact of Medicare Advantage on oral health for older adults
Official title: Medicare Advantage and its Impact on Oral Health Equity among Older Adults
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10842276 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how Medicare Advantage plans help older adults, especially those from different racial and ethnic backgrounds or who are facing financial challenges, get the dental care they need, and it aims to find ways to make sure everyone has fair access to dental services.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | May 16, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $231,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MD017601-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10842276 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, especially those from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds or with economic disadvantages.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not enrolled in Medicare Advantage or those who do not require dental services may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Medicare Advantage (MA) plans affect access to dental care for older adults, particularly those from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds and economically disadvantaged groups. It aims to analyze whether these groups have equitable access to dental coverage and services compared to their counterparts. The study will assess the likelihood of these underserved populations receiving dental care and the types of dental services they utilize. By examining these disparities, the research seeks to understand how MA plans can improve oral health equity among seniors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to dental care for older adults, particularly those from underserved communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that improved dental coverage through Medicare Advantage can enhance access to dental services for older adults, suggesting a potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weatherspoon, Darien Jerome — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Weatherspoon, Darien Jerome
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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.