
| Date: | NOVEMBER 27, 2006 | ||
| Title: |
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| Authors: | Christopher W. Loftis, PhD & Eileen Salinsky | ||
| Summary: | This background paper provides a review of mental health coverage in the Medicare program. It examines the prevalence of mental disorders among Medicare beneficiaries, treatment available through Medicare, and the cost of such treatment. A brief summary of relevant policy issues is provided, including Medicare’s outpatient mental health limitation and the potential effect of the prescription drug benefit on the provision of mental health services. |