Design of mental health benefits: still unequal after all these years

Health Aff (Millwood). 2003 Sep-Oct;22(5):127-37. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.22.5.127.

Abstract

This paper examines recent trends in the design and organization of coverage for mental health care using data from a Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research and Educational Trust (KFF/HRET) national employer survey. Legislation and changes in the delivery of mental health services have altered how mental health insurance is bought and sold. However, our findings reveal that mental health coverage is still typically not offered at a level equivalent to coverage for other medical conditions. We attempt to synthesize these data with prior research as a foundation for informed debates.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Health Benefit Plans, Employee / statistics & numerical data
  • Health Benefit Plans, Employee / trends*
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Humans
  • Insurance Coverage / classification
  • Insurance Coverage / statistics & numerical data
  • Insurance, Psychiatric / statistics & numerical data
  • Insurance, Psychiatric / trends*
  • Managed Care Programs / economics
  • Managed Care Programs / statistics & numerical data
  • Mental Health Services / economics*
  • Psychiatric Department, Hospital / economics*
  • Psychotropic Drugs / economics
  • United States

Substances

  • Psychotropic Drugs