Utilization and coverage of mental health services in health maintenance organizations

Health maintenance organizations (HMOs) generally have very limited coverage of mental health care and have been charged with shortchanging chronic patients in the interests of economy. The authors analyzed 1979-1980 coverage and utilization data from 53 federally qualified HMOs. They found that while coverage is limited and very similar across the spectrum of HMOs, utilization rates vary greatly and do not correlate with extent of coverage. They suggest that management decisions may be critical in determining access to and use of mental health benefits in HMOs.