Research
Reducing Geographic Variation in Medicaid Spending
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
Medicaid Managed Long-Term Services and Supports
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
Pennsylvania Medicaid Research and Data Analysis to Update Family Planning Factors
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
The Economic and Clinical Impact of Hepatitis C Treatment on Pennsylvania Medicaid
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
Level of Care Determination Tool – Evaluation of Screening Tool and Algorithm Reliability and Validity
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
Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Evaluation
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
Medicaid Eligibility Projections
Julia Driessen, PhD
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
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Substance Use Disorders in Medicaid
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
Reducing Readmissions and Medicaid Costs: Project Safe Landing
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 Economic Impact of Medicaid Expansion on Pennsylvania
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
Behavioral Health Specialists' Readiness for Integrated/Collaborative Care in Pennsylvania: A Practitioner Survey
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
Examining Palliative Care in Nursing Homes
Nicholas Castle, PhD
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
Policy Initiatives for Improving Access to Oral Health Care in Pennsylvania
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
Use of Buprenorphine in Pennsylvania State Medicaid Programs
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