Using a multi-stage, stratified probability design, we collected data on a representative sample of adults in Massachusetts who used publicly funded substance abuse detoxification and outpatient services. From 7 statewide detoxification facilities and 6 substance abuse outpatient facilities, we selected respondents who received their behavioral health care either in the Medicaid carve-out (MCO) or in a fee-for-service (FFS) setting. We used Medicaid data files to determine their MCO or FFS status. Respondents were interviewed twice: once at baseline, and once, on average, 7 months later. Our follow-up rate was 70% (400 out of 570). The severity of drug and alcohol use was measured by the Addiction Severity Index (ASI), which is scaled from 0 to 1. Using 2 multivariate regressions, we estimated the impact of the carve-out on the respondents' drug ASI and alcohol ASI at follow-up. The average baseline alcohol ASI was .26 (sd=.32); the average baseline drug ASI, .23 (sd=.18) . FFS and MCO respondents did not differ at baseline in either drug or alcohol severity. Follow-up ASI scores were much lower than they were at baseline. The average alcohol ASI at follow-up was .08 (sd=.18); the average drug ASI was .07 (sd=.11). In comparing adjusted and unadjusted means, we found that MCO status did not have an effect on either the drug or alcohol follow-up ASI. In fact, the strongest predictor of each was the respective baseline ASI score (b=.34, p <.01, in the alcohol model; b=.29, p <.01, in the drug model).
Learning Objectives: Listeners of this presentation will gain an understanding of factors that contribute to long-term substance abuse outcomes
Keywords: Substance Abuse, Outcomes Research
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.