Haishan Yang’s research investigates how economic and social factors, measured by the Social Deprivation Index (SDI), influence healthcare decisions within tiered systems. Using the Minnesota State Employees Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) as the context—a program that encourages members to select lower-cost providers by varying out-of-pocket expenses across clinic tiers—Yang explores whether individuals from more deprived areas are more likely to opt for lower-cost clinics due to financial constraints. His findings offer insights to guide policy interventions aimed at reducing disparities and improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations.