Friday, February 13, 2004

National Panel Challenges Purchasers to Improve the Quality of Addiction Treatment
Press release at Join Together - "A national panel of experts has called for a fundamental change in the payment system for treating drug and alcohol disorders. The group, chaired by Dr. Jerome Jaffe, the nation's first 'drug czar,' says that payment should be based on the results achieved. Treatment programs that do a better job helping their patients improve would be paid more, while programs with poor results would be paid less and might be forced to change or close."  
  

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.  
  

Cuts hit mental health providers (Utah)
Deseret News story - "Mental health centers across the state are scrambling to deal with a Medicaid budget shortfall of at least $3.2 million — a decrease that could leave at least 1,500 people untreated. Advocates for the mentally ill predict that many of those people will wind up in jail or will turn to hospital emergency rooms during a crisis. 'We've been told in no uncertain terms there is no money, there is no money, there is no money,' said Vicki Cottrell, head of the Utah chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. 'As the money diminishes, we will have to drop the less serious cases,' said Jack Tanner, executive director of the Utah Behavioral Health Network. 'That is the tragic part of it. There is no safety net behind us. We treat the sickest and the poorest, and there is nobody behind us to pick up those who are not served in the public system.'"  
  

Officials grapple with Carson City's mental health (Nevada)
Reno Gazette-Journal story - "Officials grappling with citywide mental health concerns have two successful trial programs in place and are working on legislation needed to address other issues. Maryellen Waltz, executive director of the nonprofit organization HealthSmart and a member of the Carson City Mental Health Steering Committee, said although she doesn¡¦t have exact statistics on the number of people who suffer from mental illness in Carson City, community agencies are feeling the squeeze..."