John Bowblis, Ph.D., was named 2021 OAGE Researcher of the Year by the Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education. This award recognizes individuals in Ohio’s aging network whose research has advanced knowledge in gerontology or related disciplines that have: improved services for older adults, advanced knowledge of the aging process, or supported the expansion of research in the aging field in Ohio or nationally.

Dr. Bowblis is a Professor of Economics in the Farmer School of Business and a Scripps Research Fellow. His research uses qualitative research tools to understand how the regulation, organizational structure, and payment structure of the healthcare system influence quality, costs, and financial incentives.

Currently, his research focuses on the adequacy of Medicaid reimbursement in nursing homes, nursing staff regulations, immunizations among nursing home residents and staff, racial and ethnic disparities in long-term care, the impact of person-centered care on nursing home quality, and the treatment of individuals with severe mental illness in long-term care facilities. Bowblis has published notable pieces of work, such as “Medicare Skilled Nursing Facility Reimbursement and Upcoding,” which was used by Medicare to justify adopting a new payment mechanism called the Patient Payment Model (PDPM).

When asked about his feelings on receiving the OAGE award, Bowblis stated “Most researchers spend a lot of time working on papers that will be read by other researchers, but more importantly, might influence policy and other decision-makers. Being named the 2021 OAGE Researcher of the Year is an honor because it is recognition that colleagues value that effort.”