Friday, February 13, 2004

The Impact of Managed Care: Comparison of Case Rate and Fee-for-Service Financing for Persons With Severe Mental Illness
Article in Drug Benefits Trends at Medscape - "Changes in treatment outcomes were examined using 4.5 years of data from 2 groups of severely mentally ill (SMI) patients—219 patients participating in the Case Rate Pilot (CRP) project and 219 in a fee-for-service program—whose behavioral care was publicly funded. These SMI patients were served by 6 community mental health centers in Ohio. Treatment outcomes were statistically significantly worse for patients in the CRP project. Outcomes of both groups improved after the CRP project was discontinued. Results of this study raise concerns about the desirability of capitation or capitation-like financing mechanisms for publicly funded SMI patients and, in particular, its long-term effect on illness recovery." [Viewing Medscape resources requires registration, which is free].  
  

States cut back on prescription aid
Page at the NAMI web site - "Recent reports show that some states are looking to cut back on prescription drug assistance for the elderly and to encourage the use of the Internet to import prescription drugs from Canada—as cost cutting measures. With all states facing pressure to improve their economic condition by tightening budgets, these quick-fix measures are under consideration across the U.S.; however, the long term effects of these proposed budget solutions may in fact negate any short-term gains." The material at the NAMI site is in turn based on a summary in the February 9 Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report.