Preventive Interventions under Managed Care: Mental Health and Substance AbuseServices

摘要

Programs and services that prevent substance abuse and mental health disordershave the potential to lessen an enormous burden of suffering and to reduce both the cost of future treatment and lost productivity at work and home. The availability and accessibility of these interventions to the millions of Americans whose health care is provided by managed care organizations depend upon the services status as covered benefits. At a time when cost containment is a driving force in decisions about benefits, the ability to persuade managed care enrollees to demand coverage for these preventive interventions and to encourage managed care organizations to provide them may be enhanced with evidence of their effectiveness and their positive impact on cost.