Mental health tracking project proposed In a report to the State Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee, an auditor recommended that Washington's Department of Social and Health Services track the delivery and effectiveness of mental health services. The tracking project would allow the State to compare its mental health services with those of other States, as well as to compare services provided in different counties within Washington. The chair of the committee acknowledged the need for the project, but added that the scarcity of funding for State mental health services complicates plans for improvements. Nevertheless, she vowed to propose legislation to address mental health funding disparities in rural and urban areas. More children hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than for any other reason The Wisconsin Office of Health Care Information reports that in 1998, more children in the State were hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than for any other reason.
Officials note that premature discharges due to funding issues cause many readmissions.
They also report that a lack of facilities equipped to treat children with mental illnesses and too few child psychiatrists compromises care. Wyoming National Number of uninsured likely to rise A study released by the Health Insurance Association of America suggests that, despite recent decreases in the number of uninsured Americans, the number of people without health insurance coverage will likely rise over the next 8 years. The authors predict that, depending on economic factors, the number of uninsured Americans could reach 48 to 61 million by 2009. As part of its renewed focus on managed behavioral health care, Magellan Health Services recently sold CHC, its Canadian-based operation, and plans to use the proceeds to reduce bank debt. Magellan also benefitted from State parity legislation, which increased rates for both at-risk and administrative services only contracts.