Chemotherapy and Co-insurance:  The Effect of Cost Sharing on Cancer Care
5/1/08 to 4/30/09
This project complements and builds on several components of the Cancer Research Network (CRN) infrastucture, including the Virtual Data Warehouse (VDW). This pilot study is designed to begin to address the following questions: Does the implementation of injectable/infusion coinsurance adversely affect receipt of first-choice cancer chemotherapy services?  Does the level of out-of-pocket-maximum payment for these services, or socioeconomic circumstances adversely affect receipt of recommended chemotherapy services in vulnerable subgroups of patients with major comorbidities, or those in low income areas?
Role:  Principal Investigator

CHD Lifestyle Modification for Latinas with Diabetes (Viva Bien!)
10/01/05 – 9/30/10 
The primary goal of this project is to extend a promising lifestyle change program to an underserved population at high risk for CHD--Hispanic Americans.
Role:  Co-Investigator/Health Economist

Enhancing Support for Women w/Type 2 Diabetes: Follow-Up
09/30/03 - 08/31/09
To continue a current research project that has demonstrated significant and consistent positive effects of a lifestyle change intervention on reduction of behavioral CHD risk factors in a sample of post-menopausal women with type 2 diabetes.  Dr. Ritzwoller is responsible for the economic and cost-effectiveness analyses.
Role:  Co-investigator

High Deductible Health Plans and Receipt of Cancer Prevention Services
7/1/08 – 6/30/10
This study will investigate whether receipt of screening mammograms and Pap smears among women enrolled in new insurance plans was different from women who enrolled in traditional health maintenance plans in 2 HMOs.
Role:  Co-Investigator

Increasing Effectiveness of Cancer Control Interventions: Cancer Research Network –CRN III
5/1/07 - 4/30/12
The major goal of this grant is to take advantage of the HMO Research Network, a consortium of non-profit HMOs, to study issues related to cancer prevention.  Four separate projects are funded through the second phase of this consortium, two of which include Kaiser Permanente Colorado.  Dr. Ritzwoller serves as a co-investigator, and a member of the Economics Expert Team.
Role:  Co-Investigator

Individual and Environmental Mechanisms of PA Change
08/01/04 – 07/31/09
The primary goal of this project is to explore the mechanisms of physical activity behavior change through the use of various intervention strategies.  Dr. Ritzwoller is responsible for the economic and cost-effectiveness analyses.
Role:  Co-investigator

Medical Care Burden of Cancer 
08/1/07 - 05/31/11                         
The grant will examine the medical and employment burden of cancer for working age HMO members.
Role: Co-investigator