Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders and Costs of Care Among Adult Enrollees in a Medicaid HMO

Abstract

An analysis of claims data showed that adult Medicaid beneficiaries have exceptionally high rates of comorbid psychiatric conditions, which were associated with significantly higher medical and pharmaceutical costs. The high cost of these beneficiaries to the medical plan has policy implications in terms of the importance of addressing mental health issues in Medicaid general medical populations.