Medicare is the primary insurance provider for a significant number of non-elderly persons diagnosed with schizophrenia. Relatively little is known, however, about the characteristics and service use patterns of this population. The present investigation sought to shed light on the service use patterns of non-elderly Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with schizophrenia through an analysis of data from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS), an ongoing panel survey of a nationally representative sample of persons eligible for Medicare benefits. The MCBS provides information from interview data on demographics, activities of daily living (ADL), and prescribed medication use; in addition, linkage with Medicare claim files allows for an analysis of service utilization patterns. All participants under 65 in the 1995 MCBS sample with a claim listing a schizohprenia spectrum diagnosis (ICD-9 295) in 1992-1995 were included in the analysis. Data on demographics, ADL, prescribed antipsychotic medication use, and use of psychosocial services were analyzed; differences between individuals who are dually eligible (Medicare and Medicaid) and who are eligible for Medicare only were assessed. Preliminary analyses indicate that both antipsychotic medications and psychosocial services are under-used by non-elderly Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with schizophrenia. Implications of these findings for the way in which Medicare reimbursement patterns might impact upon the unique service needs of persons with severe mental illness will be explored.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to identify the characteristics and service use patterns of non-elderly Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with schizophrenia
Keywords: Sever Mental Illness, Medicare
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.