Research

Using Pennsylvania Medicaid pharmacy and medical claims along with information on the prescribing physicians, this project analyses geographic variation in total drug spending and spending for antipsychotics and diabetes medications. Read more

To streamline eligibility and access to list quality services, the Department of Human Services is establishing a managed long-term services and supports program (MLTSS) a literature review and identifying key elements and best practices of MLTSS programs across the country. Read more

This project updates and refines the method used to determine the proportion of Pennsylvania Medicaid managed-care expenditures attributable to family planning services by describing the updated family planning factors, with supporting documentation of all methods and data used. Read more

Using predictive computer modeling, researchers are analyzing the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by stage of disease in Pennsylvania, specifically among the Pennsylvania Medicaid population, and estimates the potential budget impact of various treatment strategies for HCV in the identified population. Read more

In collaboration with the Department of Human Services and the Department of Aging researchers are evaluating the validity and reliability of the assessment tool that determines eligibility for nursing facility level of care. Associated training tools are being developed for administrators. Read more

The University of Pittsburgh will conduct a comprehensive, scientifically rigorous, multi-year evaluation of Pennsylvania’s new Medicaid Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) program, Community Health Choices (CHC). The evaluation will examine the implementation and impact of the transition to managed LTSS. Read more

The Medicaid Research Center's economic team is currently developing a model for accurately projecting Medicaid eligibility and evaluating existing groupings of Medicaid enrollees based on cost. Read more

Researchers are analyzing Medicaid data to examine the use of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders. This analysis will include MAT with treatement options like naltrexone, buprenorphine, and methadone. Read more

This is a collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Overdose Prevention Coalition and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to better identify patients at risk for overdose and facilitate access to appropriate services. The collaboration is determining if the Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) interventions result in reduced healthcare costs. Read more

The Affordable Care Act is a substantial reform of the U.S. health care insurance system. Many states including Pennsylvania are currently weighing options for implementing a key provision of the Act: the expansion of Medicaid eligibility to individuals with incomes below 138% of the federal poverty level. Read more

The identification, evaluation, and care of children/adolescents with developmental, behavioral, and emotional problems is becoming an integral part of their general or primary healthcare. This survey is the first step in trying to understand the professional relationships among pediatric, family medicine, and other healthcare providers serving this population and their involvement in delivery collaborative or integrated behavioral healthcare. Read more

The potential benefits of palliative care in nursing home settings have received little attention from researchers and policymakers. In this study, researchers are examining the potential cost savings and quality implications of palliative care in nursing homes. Read more

This study analyses Medicaid claims data to identify options to improve access to dental health in rural communities. Interventions could include increasing the supply of dentists, improving the geographic distribution of dentists, expanding the scope of existing disciplines, or introducing new practice models. Read more
Completed Research

The use of buprenorphine - an effective treatment for opioid use disorders (OUDs) - has increased rapidly in recent years and is often financed by Medicaid. CP3 and MRC researchers investigated. Read more