 |
 |
|
|
There is an ironic juxtaposition of articles in the October 3 Psychiatric News. An article on page one reports that proposed legislation would grant parity for substance abuse, while an article on page two reports that managed care makes parity affordable. It would appear to be a hollow victory for advocates of mental health parity if managed care ends up the big winner.
The unintended consequences of mandating health benefits are to encourage third parties to find creative ways to maintain their profits: dropping mental health benefits altogether or increasing disincentives to care. Fortunately, there is a solution in the use of medical savings accounts, which would go a long way to achieve parity without managed care: patients spending their own money, choosing their own treatment and doctor, in combination with low-cost, high-deductible insurance.
David T. Springer, M.D.
Media, Pa.