Skip to main content
 

Laura Chaves

Dissertation

Three Essays on Healthcare Utilization and Access

My dissertation is centered on access and utilization of health care by older adults and birthing people. I investigate the non-financial barriers older adults encounter when seeking care and how scope of practice legislation changes affect the Medicare population. I also examine whether the utilization intensity of prenatal care can prevent maternal morbidity outcomes.

About Laura

Laura earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Universidad de Costa Rica and a master’s in public policy from Georgia Institute of Technology. Before enrolling in our Ph.D. program, Laura worked on health economics research as a Research Associate at the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute. In this role, Laura worked on projects related to health disparities in imaging service utilization. During her time in the department, Laura has performed as an instructor for PLCY 310 Microeconomic Foundations of Public Policy (Summer and Fall 2024). Laura’s primary research interests concern healthcare utilization and access centered on older adults and birthing people.

Laura Chaves