In a recent study led by the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics, enrolling in Medicare was associated with a significant drop in the likelihood of receiving mental health care.

Enrolling in either traditional Medicare or its commercial equivalent, Medicare Advantage, was associated with a 71% decline in the likelihood of having any type of outpatient mental health visit, even after controlling for factors like employment and income. It was also associated with a 47% lower likelihood of receiving a psychotropic drug, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers.

The study was published in Health Services Research.

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