Mental Health, Dental Services, and Other Coverage in the Health Insurance Study

Cost, transitory demand under experimental conditions, and likelihood of inclusion of mental health and dental insurance benefits in a national plan are discussed as criteria for determining the scope of coverage in the Health Insurance Study. The cost of a dental program is affected by the mean age of the covered population. Dental coverage appears likely for children under 18. The cost of outpatient psychiatric services is related to an observed correlation between the demand for mental health and that for general medical services and to the nature of the covered population. Coverage of psychiatric benefits to an uninsured population would result in some transitory demand, but, based on available data, a precise estimate cannot be made. Inclusion of some mental health services appears possible, but coverage would probably be restricted. The provisions for other benefits are also reviewed.