Comparisons were made between 1996 and 1998 to determine the differences between Managed Care (MC) and traditional Fee-For-Service care among Medicaid recipients. The study was conducted in Mecklenburg County NC, and compared to the matched control group in New Hanover County, NC. The results of this study reflect responses from approximately 900 in the experimental group and 200 in the control group. The population was Medicaid recipients in Aid to Families with Dependent Children, Medicaid for Infants and Children, and Medicaid for Pregnant Women. The findings suggest that MC recipients scored slightly higher on various measures such as patient satisfaction, access to care, communication between the patient and the provider, quality of care, and financial aspects of care than FFS recipients. However, in general both groups scored high on all measures. For instance, the results of the MC group revealed an increase in patient satisfaction as measured by the RAND scale from a mean of 3.46 (stn. dev=.5) in 1996 to a mean of 3.73 (stn. dev.=.5). At baseline, the results of patient satisfaction were similar between the MC and FFS counties. However, at post-intervention, differences emerged that indicated a slightly higher level of satisfaction among the MC recipients. Additionally, favorable results were found for MC on the financial burden measures versus FFS. Mixed results were found between MC and FFS on specific items in the following measures: 1) access to care, 2) quality of care, 3) communication between the patient and the provider, and 4) utilization.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to empirically support implementing either Managed Care or Fee-For-Service among Medicaid patients on 6 measures, 1) quality of care, 2) access to care, 3) satisfaction with care, 4) communication between the patient and provider, 5) finances, and 6) utilization rates
Keywords: Managed Care, Medicaid
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.