5170.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 3:42 PM

Abstract #10842

Will managed care promote linkage of substance abusers to ongoing treatment

Mary Jo Larson, PhD1, Linda E Kasten, MA1, and Mary Btrolin, PhD2. (1) New England Research Institutes, 9 Galen Street, Watertown, MA 02472, (2) Health and Addictions Research, 100 Boylston Street, Suite 300, Boston, MA 02116

Extensive federal and state public health resources are devoted to alcohol and drug abuse detoxification and treatment services. While an opportunity to link substance abusers to ongoing treatment services exists, coordinating care across different settings poses challenges. Managed care may promote this linkage to ongoing treatment.

Data from a study of Medicaid managed care was used examine this hypothesis. 409 publicly funded clients of acute treatment services (ATS) in Massachusetts were interviewed, and secondary data detailing state payment for services in the following 2 months was received for 404. Fourteen percent of the sample was already receiving on-going care such as outpatient treatment, methadone, or recovery home. 25% of those not previously linked to care became so within 60 days of discharge from ATS, the majority within 5 days of discharge. Those receiving Medicaid managed care were less likely to be linked to ongoing treatment before another ATS admission than those receiving Medicaid unmanaged care or uninsured individuals, while those with a longer ATS stay were more likely to be linked. Clients with managed care were slightly more likely to have another ATS admission within the 2 month follow-up window, although gender (being male) and certain clinical characteristics were more predictive. Further investigation will examine time to the next ATS admission.

Learning Objectives: Understand treatment options available to those receiving publicly funded substance abuse services. Appreciate differences in use of services by managed care status

Keywords: Substance Abuse Treatment, Managed Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA