Analysis of Champus Per Capita Mental Health Expenditures and Utilization forBeneficiaries Less Than Eighteen Years

摘要

This Consultant Report is a longitudinal examination of CHAMPUS mental health percapita expenditures and utilization for eligible beneficiaries less than 18 years in the Fort Bragg, NC, Fort Stewart, GA, and Fort Campbell, KY Army catchment areas. The overall study period was from October, 1987 to February, 1991. In August, 1989 the Army Medical Department contracted with the state of North Carolina to provide all mental health services to these eligible beneficiaries in the Fort Bragg catchment area. The effect of this demonstration project on the rate of increase in government mental health per capita expenditures was examined in detail. Prior to the demonstration project at Fort Bragg, mental health per capita expenditures for eligible beneficiaries under age 18 appeared stabilized and demonstrated only a relatively low monthly rate of increase of $55/1000 beneficiaries. Following initiation of the demonstration project, this monthly rate of increase rose dramatically to $812/1000 beneficiaries by the mid point of the post demonstration project period, or a 1,472% change. This rapidly escalating upward trend was also demonstrated when per capita utilization was examined.