Health Topics

• Data Development
• Health Care Reform
• Health Information Technology
• Medicaid and CHIP
• Medicare
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse
• Payment Policies and Costs
• Public and Population Health
• Quality and Health System Functioning
• State Health Policy

Identifying Mental Health Policy Issues in Context of Health Care Reform

Although health reform efforts are likely to shape the continued evolution in access to and use of mental health services, the health reform debate has rarely addressed these issues. Mathematica is helping the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) establish a policy and research agenda pertaining to mental health services. Specifically, we are identifying mental health-related policy issues in the context of health care reform and promising models of comprehensive community-based crisis systems in the management, care, and diversion of people with mental illnesses. Our subcontractor, the Council of State Governments Justice Center, is assisting in tasks related to crisis management systems.

Mathematica is commissioning three papers to address mental health policy issues on the following topics:

• Implications of health reform for coverage of people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders
• Reforming the health insurance marketplace: Implications for people with mental illnesses
• Potential impact of health reform on the mental health service delivery system

In collaboration with Mathematica, the Justice Center is developing a paper that presents core principles and a conceptual framework for ensuring that health, mental health, and justice agencies work together to respond effectively to individuals with mental illness who encounter law enforcement officers.

We will hold expert panels to review the papers and produce policy briefs for each topic that summarize key themes and ideas, discuss policy options, and outline potential research topics for the future.