This utilization analysis of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Medicare services for mental health reveals that dually eligible patients substitute VA and Medicare services based on the geographic proximity of clinics.  Medicare’s role in veteran mental health care increases with geographic distance from a VA clinic as do Medicare’s associated expenditures. 

Carey, K., Montez-Rath, M. E., Rosen, A. K., Christiansen, C. L., Loveland, S., & Ettner, S. L. (2008). Use of VA and Medicare services by dually eligible veterans with psychiatric problems. Health Services Research, 43(4): 1164-1183.  http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-34984746_ITM

Authors: Kathleen Carey, Maria E. Montez-Rath, Amy K. Rosen, Cindy L. Christiansen, Susan Loveland, Susan L. Ettner