21. Using queueing games and contract theory to improve access to care: The case of the Ontario Autism Program
Invited abstract in session ME-1: Access to care, stream Sessions.
Monday, 15:30-17:00Room: NTNU, Realfagbygget R5
Authors (first author is the speaker)
| 1. | Felipe Rodrigues
|
| School of Management, Economics and Mathematics, King's University College at Western University | |
| 2. | Saha Malaki
|
| Statistical and Actuarial Sciences, Western University | |
| 3. | Salar Ghamat
|
| Wilfrid Laurier University | |
| 4. | Camila Pedroso Estevan de Souza
|
| Department of Statistical and Actuarial Sciences (DSAS), Western University | |
| 5. | Greg Zaric
|
| Ivey School of Business, Western University |
Abstract
In 2024, wait times for autism treatment funding under Ontario’s Autism Program grew to 7 years. Delaying early interventions for autism treatments burdens families with high out-of-pocket expenses, affecting child development and family well-being. We propose a contract-based queueing game model between families and a governmental autism funding provider (AFP) to improve access to public funding and treatment services. Families decide whether to exclusively wait for public assessments and funding or to wait while incurring out-of-pocket expenses with private services based on a threshold policy that reflects their sensitivity to delays. Meanwhile, the AFP sets an optimal service rate and may introduce a rebate scheme to balance quality and efficiency. We analyze two scenarios: one without rebates and one where rebates partially offset out-of-pocket expenses. We also extend our model to an integrated care system in which a central planner coordinates incentives to maximize overall welfare. Analytical and numerical results demonstrate that calibrated rebate schemes can increase service capacity, shorten wait times, and reduce out-of-pocket expenses, ultimately benefiting families. Our findings offer timely policy insights for designing contract mechanisms to enhance access to autism funding and services.
Keywords
- Healthcare policy modelling
- Access and waiting list
- Health Services Research
Status: accepted
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