The journal of mental health policy and economics
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J Ment Health Policy Econ · Mar 2018
Changes in the Utilization of Mental Health Care Services and Mental Health at the Onset of Medicare.
The onset of Medicare eligibility at age 65 in the U.S. is accompanied by significant changes in health insurance coverage rates. This presents a unique opportunity to study the interaction among health insurance, health care utilization, and health outcomes. ⋯ Future research that evaluates whether additional factors, such as residing in a mental health shortage area, can explain the imprecise estimate on mental health visits would be useful. Additionally, future studies that examine the interaction between private insurance and Medicare coverage would better explain the dynamic changes that occur at age 65, and how shifting coverage patterns interact with mental health care utilization rates.