Health Topics

• Data Development
• Health Care Reform
• Health Information Technology
• Medicaid and CHIP
• Medicare
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse
• Payment Policies and Costs
• Public and Population Health
• Quality and Health System Functioning
• State Health Policy

Comparative Effectiveness Research and Treatment of Serious Mental Illnesses in Medicaid

Medicaid is a critical source of health care coverage for individuals with serious and persistent mental health conditions. As one of the largest purchasers of health and mental health services, state Medicaid programs have an opportunity to support the delivery of the latest evidence-based practices. Mathematica is identifying Medicaid policies and payment practices that may facilitate or impede the delivery of evidence-based practices for individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

The research team is conducting a literature review to identify pharmacologic and psychosocial evidence-based practices for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and the features of state Medicaid programs and mental health systems that may influence the delivery of those practices. Researchers are using Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX) data to examine the extent to which state-specific Medicaid features are associated with the delivery of evidence-based practices. These Medicaid features include states’ managed care arrangements, prescription medication policies, and relationships with state mental health agencies. The research team is also conducting an extensive analysis of the completeness and reliability of MAX behavioral health managed care data and is developing strategies for measuring evidence-based practices in MAX. The project is developing a report that policymakers, providers, and consumers can use to inform the development of Medicaid programs that support evidence-based practices.