Understanding how access to alcohol treatment affects older adults
Official title: Impacts of Access to Services for Alcohol Use Disorders in Older Adults
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11092293 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how older adults with alcohol use issues can struggle to get the help they need because of insurance rules, and it aims to find ways to make it easier for them to access treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $190,116 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AA031045-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092293 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans and may be experiencing alcohol use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those not enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the challenges older adults face in accessing treatment for alcohol use disorders (AUDs), which are often underdiagnosed and undertreated. It focuses on older adults enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, examining how insurance rules impact their ability to receive care. The study aims to quantify the effects of provider network accessibility on the utilization of AUD care, ultimately guiding health systems to improve treatment uptake for this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to alcohol treatment services for older adults, enhancing their overall health and well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has highlighted the importance of access to care for alcohol use disorders, suggesting that improving accessibility could lead to better treatment outcomes, although this specific focus on older adults in Medicare Advantage plans is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wong, Edwin S. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Wong, Edwin S.
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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.