Alcoholism Treatment Impact on Total Health Care Utilization and Costs: A Four-Year Longitudinal Analysis of the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program with Aetna Life Insurance Company

摘要

The impact of alcoholism treatment services on overall health care utilization and costs for individuals and families filing claims with the Aetna Life and Casualty Company under the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program was studied using two study groups: (1) a treatment troup consisting of families with at least one member filing a claim for alcoholism treatment during calendar years 1980-1983; and (2) a comparison group consisting of a random sample of families who filed no alcoholism claims during the same period. It was found that, on the average, alcoholic families used health care services and incurred costs at a rate twice that of nonalcoholic families. Costs per person receiving care averaged $3,125. Demographic characteristics of those treated for alcoholism and utilization patterns are discussed, as are the research design and sample selection, missing data, redundant and duplicate claims, changes in Aetna Plan provisions, and treatment facility documentation. A summary comparison and plots are provided and a computer simulation is described. Suggestions are made for future research.