Introduction The system for providing treatment for mental health and substance abuse has changed so quickly and dramatically that research about its effects has not been able to keep up. There are few empirical studies about how managed care affects access, quality, outcomes, and costs of mental health and substance abuse services.
Reliable data are essential for sound policy decisionmaking.
Parity legislation addresses nominal benefits, i.e., coverage limits, deductibles, and copayments. However, managed care can affect health care coverage in many other ways. MBHOs, which specialize in administering behavioral health benefits that have been carved out of a comprehensive health care plan, were unheard of 15 years ago. Now, MBHOs cover the majority of privately insured individuals and an increasing number of Medicaid recipients. Managed care plans experience a learning curve, with improved performance over time.