NIH and CMS to Study Autism Using Medicare and Medicaid Data

After concern was raised, the agencies emphasized that the partnership will link existing research datasets, not create a new registry or track individuals.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Md., on May 30, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have launched a joint initiative to build a secure, real-world data platform aimed at uncovering the root causes of autism spectrum disorder, the agencies announced on May 7.

In a statement, NIH and CMS said the partnership will allow researchers to combine Medicare and Medicaid claims data with electronic medical records and consumer wearable information. The pilot phase will focus on individuals diagnosed with autism, with a longer-term goal of supporting broader research into chronic conditions.