Dr. Lindsay Sabik is a health economist and health services researcher focused on investigating how state and federal policies affect healthcare access, utilization, and health outcomes among low-income and underserved populations, with a particular focus on cancer care.
Cancer is among the most common causes of death and most costly diseases in the US, and lack of comprehensive health insurance can limit access to high quality treatment. Dr. Sabik and her team use population-based data to examine the impact of insurance coverage expansions on access to and quality of cancer care, including among racial/ethnic minorities and rural populations. Evidence on the impacts of health insurance coverage expansions and other factors associated with access to and quality of cancer care can inform policymakers, program officials, and researchers interested in improving access to and reducing disparities in cancer care.
Additionally, many rural hospitals are in financial distress and face challenges that contribute to poor access to care and poor health outcomes for cancer patients living in rural areas. Dr. Sabik and colleagues are examining the impact of an innovative state program, which changes the way rural hospitals are paid and encourages new approaches to health care delivery, on surgery for rural cancer patients. Results will provide timely evidence about strategies to address the needs of surgical cancer patients in rural communities throughout the United States.
Funding:
5R01HS027396-02 - Effects of Insurance Expansions on Cancer Treatment: Recent Policy Changes and Implications for Future Reform
5R01CA244189-02 - Impact of Rural Hospital Payment and Delivery Reform on Geographic Disparities in Cancer Surgery