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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Stephen D. Hooper, MBA and Emily A. Zeman, BA. Health Economics Group, Inc., 1050 University Avenue, Suite A, Rochester, NY 14607
This study examined mental health utilization patterns of individuals covered by medical benefit plans sponsored by three employers: two county governments and a school district, all near Rochester, NY. Claims data were analyzed for adults (ages 20<65) and children (5<20) for the years 1998, 1999, and 2000. Total number of eligible individuals averaged close to 3,000 adults and 1,000 children across the three groups. Utilization of all medical services (excluding prescription drugs) varied from group to group and year to year between 74% and 84% among adults and between 74% and 80% among children. It was found that utilization of mental health providers was relatively constant within groups for adults and children but varied from group to group. Adult utilization ranged from 3% in one group to 10-12% in another group. Utilization by children ranged from 3% to 10%. In-patient mental health utilization was far lower. Across the three groups and throughout the three-year period, only 10 adults and 7 children received in-patient mental health treatment. Mental health utilization (in-patient and outpatient, combined) was higher among female adults than males and higher among school district employees and their spouses than in the county government groups. We discuss various reasons for mental health utilization differences, as shown by the numbers above, between genders and between the different groups. In addition, we put into perspective possible adverse effects of the 12/31/02 sunsetting of the Mental Health Parity Act.
Learning Objectives: "At the end of the session, the learner will be able to
Keywords: Mental Health, Health Care Utilization
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am employed by Health Economics Group,Inc.