Mental health care cost crunch; critics worry cash drives inpatient care; clinicians caught in middle

Article Abstract:

Insurers are forcing psychiatric hospitals to discharge mentally ill patients who have lost benefits coverage, but early patient discharge raises the problem of who is responsible for care. For example, a case involving the suicide of Delbert Joseph Muse III charged Charter Hospital and Charter Medical Corp with abandonment of care. Indeed, employers, insurers and mental health providers believe ultimate care responsibility lies with practitioners. However, in 1991 private psychiatric hospitals provided uncompensated care amounting to only 7% of total operating costs.

Psychiatric hospitals, Care and treatment, Cases, Mentally ill persons, Mentally ill, Refusal to treat (Medicine), Health insurance industry, Abandonment of care, Muse, Delbert Joseph, III, Charter Medical Corp.

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Oregon waiver opens way for state reform experiments

Article Abstract:

Pres Clinton's Medicaid waiver for Oregon's Health Plan may initiate similar Medicaid coverage plans in other states. The Oregon Health Plan prioritizes medical treatment for insurance coverage. Funds generated from limited benefits are used to extend Medicaid benefits to low-income residents. The Clinton administration said the waiver was indicative of the federal government's plans to extend flexibility to states designing healthcare packages. The Oregon Health Plan is subject to a five-year demonstration period.

Clinton, Bill, Social policy, Oregon, Medicaid

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N.Y. bill prohibits risk-based insurance coverage

Article Abstract:

The New York state legislature is about to pass a bill that would prohibit insurance companies from increasing rates or refusing to cover individuals because of job status, sex or medical history. The bill has the endorsement of Gov Mario Cuomo and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, the state's largest insurer. Insurers argue that the measure will force them to raise rates by 30%. They are supporting a bill that would mandate open enrollment, as well as a reinsurance pool to cover the resulting risk.

New York, Insurance, New York (State)

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