Related Experiment Videos
Financing and demand for mental health services
The Journal of Human Resources
|January 1, 1981
Summary
Demand for mental health services is more responsive to insurance than general medical care, especially for lower-income groups. Demand also increases over time, highlighting the need for further research into financing policies.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Mental Health Economics
- Healthcare Policy Analysis
Background:
- Limited research exists on the financing and demand for mental health services.
- Current studies primarily report cost experiences within insurance pools.
- Understanding demand behavior is crucial for effective healthcare policy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey the emerging literature on financing and demand for mental health services.
- To identify key trends and gaps in current research.
- To guide future research directions in mental health service utilization.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on mental health service financing and demand.
- Analysis of cost data from insurance pools.
- Synthesis of findings on demand responsiveness and behavioral patterns.
Main Results:
- Demand for outpatient mental health care is more responsive to insurance than general medical services.
- Demand for mental health services increases over time within insurance pools, irrespective of coverage stability.
- Lower-income groups exhibit greater responsiveness to insurance for mental health services compared to upper-income groups.
Conclusions:
- Mental health service demand is sensitive to insurance, particularly for vulnerable populations.
- Longitudinal demand patterns suggest a growing need for mental health support.
- Future research should investigate the impact of financing policies on care setting choices.