Medicare Beneficiaries With Psychological Distress Made Fewer Outpatient Mental Health Visits After Age 65, But Used More Acute Care Services 

Among adults with psychological distress, utilization of outpatient mental health services declined after becoming eligible for Medicare at age 65, and usage of acute care physical health services increased, according to a recent study. The study compared utilization trends for adults aged 59 to 64 and adults aged 66 to 71. The researchers sought to identify whether Medicare eligibility changed utilization patterns. ;

The researchers stated that while millions of adults in the United States experience psychological distress, which can result in substantial functional impairment that interferes with major life activities, critical gaps in access and coverage remain for those . . .