Health Affairs, 27, no. 1 (2008): w70-w83 (Published online 18 December 2007) doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.27.1.w70 © 2008 by Project HOPE	New Online   How Would Obama, McCain Cover The Uninsured?   Cost To Cover Uninsured   Let Health IT Market Evolve   How Rate Health IT Progress?   HIV/AIDS In India, China

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Parity And The Use Of Out-Of-Network Mental Health Benefits In The FEHB Program

Two current congressional bills mandate parity for benefits for mental disorders with benefits for medical/surgical conditions in private insurance when mental health benefits are provided; the bills differ in regard to benefit levels and access to out-of-network coverage. This study assessed clinicians’ and beneficiaries’ participation in managed care networks in the national capital area under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) parity program. Approximately one-third of the clinicians studied participated in FEHB networks, and only 44 percent of FEHB patients received care from network clinicians. Out-of-network mental health benefits are an important policy consideration to ensure access to mental health treatment under parity proposals.

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