Health insurance, health reform, and outpatient mental health treatment: Who benefits?

This research examines how extending health insurance coverage to the previ ously uninsured impacts outpatient mental health treatment use among adults with different needs. Using data from the Epidemiologic Catchment Area Stu dy and the 1987 National Medical Expenditure Survey, I develop simulations based on estimates of treatment demand. I find that insurance substantially increases demand by the mentally ill, but increased coverage alone cannot meet their treatment needs. Those in better mental health account for signi ficant proportions of additional demand when coverage is expanded. Policies intended to increase access to mental health treatment among targeted grou ps should carefully consider the costs of increased use by other people.