This congressionally mandated analysis of state evaluations provides the first comprehensive picture of the early years of the SCHIP program, using a standardized framework developed to facilitate cross-state comparisons. For all 50 states, the report describes program implementation and...

Highlights key findings from recent journal articles and reports that contribute to a better understanding of the program in the following areas: 1) why plans withdraw and the effect on beneficiaries, 2) supplemental coverage trends, 3) beneficiary education, 4) plan selection and risk...

In his State of the Union address in January, President Bush called for a new Medicare drug benefit to be available through private health plans as part of a restructured Medicare program. This new fact sheet from our series on Medicare+Choice offers some insight into the challenges of this...

Available from the AARP at (800) 424-3410. Ask for Publication No. 9902.

Explores the state of Medicare+Choice in six communities as of December 2000, noting that choice has declined in all, and accurate information about alternatives is not widely available. Beneficiaries are confused about their choices and worried about the commitment of plans and doctors to...

This policy brief examines the potential of care coordination, an innovative new approach to comprehensive care for patients with disabilities and special needs under Medicaid managed care, noting that it takes time to develop but can be put in place even after a state has implemented Medicaid...

Addresses what is known about care coordination, an innovative approach to meeting the psychosocial and medical needs of the growing number of people with special health care needs enrolled in Medicaid managed care. Although there is no standard definition of care coordination, the report notes...

This study looks at the first two to three years of parity for mental health and substance abuse benefits in Vermont and concludes that parity was achieved in the state. Increased use of managed care helped make parity affordable but may have reduced access and utilization for some services and...

Notes that, in the first year of implementation of a new mental health parity law in California, benefits for mental health services expanded with no apparent effects on the purchase of health insurance. Stakeholders interviewed for the study reported that premiums did not increase substantially...

This study looks at the first two to three years of parity for mental health and substance abuse benefits in Vermont and concludes that parity was achieved in the state. Increased use of managed care helped make parity affordable but may have reduced access and utilization for some services and...