A study in JAMA Psychiatry finds that inpatient admissions for behavioral health disorders significantly declined following the 2006 expansion of health insurance coverage in Massachusetts, contrary to expectations. “This signifies much lower out of pocket burden for young adults with a behavioral health crisis, as well as less uncompensated care burdening hospitals,” the researchers write.
Meara, E., Golberstein, E., Zaha, R., Greenfield, S., et al; Use of Hospital-Based Services Among Young Adults With Behavioral Health Diagnoses Before and After Health Insurance Expansions. JAMA Psychiatry. Online February 19, 2014.
Of further interest:
Expanded Insurance: Mental Health Care Admissions Drop (Medscape)