Changes in access to mental health care among the poor and nonpoor: results from the health care reform in Puerto Rico.

Abstract

Health care reforms associated with managed care may adversely affect the health care safety net for disadvantaged populations. This study compared changes in health care use among poor and nonpoor individuals enrolled in managed care. Data from 3 waves of a random community sample were collected on approximately 3,000 adults. Changes in use of mental health services were assessed in a pretest-posttest, quasi-experimental design. Managed care increased use of specialty services among the nonpoor while maintaining the same level of use for the poor in the public sector. Reallocation of mental health services may be a result of expanding Medicaid eligibility.