Friday, November 12, 2004

Medicaid and Women: What's at Stake
New resources from the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured - "Despite its critical importance as a health care safety net for nearly one in ten women, Medicaid is not typically viewed as a women's health program. This briefing addresses how the program works for women; examines its role for women across the different stages of their lives; provides data on women's coverage; highlights recent state initiatives of importance to women, and discusses what women have at stake in federal and state efforts to restructure the Medicaid program." The link above leads to a page indexing facts sheets on Women's Health Insurance Coverage and Health Insurance Coverage of Women Ages 18 to 64, by State, 2002-2003, as well as an issue briefing on Medicaid and women.  
  

Integrated Health Care: Improving Client Care While Providing Opportunities for Mental Health Counselors
Article at Red Nova - "Integrated health care, the co-location of mental health and medical professionals within primary care settings, is an emerging trend. In essence, integrated care eases the access such that underserved primary care clients with mental health needs can receive treatment. Current models of integrated care are described, and strategies for mental health counselors' involvement within primary care settings are discussed. Of clients waiting to see primary care physicians, 60% to 70% need mental health services. ... Reliance upon PCPs for mental health concerns continues despite a growing body of evidence suggesting that those who receive counseling and other mental health services experience physical as well as mental health benefits. "