ASSESSMENT OF THE MASSACHUSETTS MEDICAID MANAGED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH-PROGRAM - YEAR-3

This evaluation of the third year of the Massachusetts Medicaid manage d Mental Health/Substance Abuse Program showed that overall utilizatio n increased slightly and expenditures were nearly the same in FY1994 c ompared to FY1993; however, they were lower for disabled members. Prov iders believed that access to care, utilization, and quality of care w ere the same or better than a year earlier and that the clinical revie w process was improved. Client severity was higher. Aftercare planning improved but gaps in services persisted. Integration of care improved . Administrative and management problems continued. Lessons for simila r, more recent initiatives are discussed.