In 1997 New York State implemented two major policy initiatives, mandatory Medicaid managed care (MMC) and welfare reform. As part of the SAMHSA-CSAT Cooperative agreement to study the effects of Medicaid managed care, we conducted a qualitative study in which we interviewed local and state stakeholders (including AOD providers, local and state policy makers, and consumer groups) who were involved in, or affected by, the implementation of these policies. To substantiate qualitative findings that were obtained, we examined AOD treatment admission and discharge records from the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Service Client Data System (CDS). Responses in the qualitative study varied; whereas some respondents suggested that MMC has increased the efficiency with which adolescents receive care, others reported concerns with MMC such as shorter length of stay in treatment. Analyses of CDS data indicated that the average length of stay for the four types of treatment that adolescents are most likely to receive (e.g., Outpatient-Alcohol and Residential-Drug-Free) declined from 1996-1998. Taken together these results suggest that Medicaid managed care and welfare reform have begun to affect adolescents' AOD treatment in New York City; however, the full impact of Medicaid managed care will be felt only as the policies become fully implemented
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the effects of Medicaid managed care on adolescent treatment in New York City. 2. Recognize the impact of Welfare reform and Medicaid managed care on adolescent AOD treatment in New York City
Keywords: Adolescents, Managed Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Funded by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, grant # 5 UR 7 TI 1134