Mental health services for Medicaid enrollees in a prepaid group practice plan

The authors present the patterns of utilization of mental health services of a low-income population in a prepaid group practice setting, the Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York (HIP). Over a 6-year period, utilization rates for psychiatric consultations and mental health services by Medicaid enrollees rose to equal or exceed utilization by employed groups. The authors also provide evidence that psychiatric treatment reduces the use of other physician services, especially X-ray and laboratory services.