Impact of increased Medicaid payments on mental health services and access
Official title: Effects of mental health reimbursement increases in Medicaid on providers and patients
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11047040 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how raising payment rates for mental health services through Medicaid can help both doctors and patients, aiming to see if these changes make it easier for people to get the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $802,551 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH135985-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047040 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Medicaid enrollees with diagnosed mental health conditions who are affected by access gaps in mental health services.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not rely on Medicaid for their mental health care or those without diagnosed mental health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how increases in Medicaid reimbursement rates for mental health services affect both providers and patients. By analyzing national Medicaid claims data and conducting in-depth interviews, the study aims to understand changes in provider participation and patient health outcomes. The research focuses on a real-world scenario where several state Medicaid programs have recently raised reimbursement rates to improve access to mental health care. The findings will provide valuable insights for policymakers on the effectiveness of these reimbursement strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to mental health services for Medicaid enrollees, enhancing their overall health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been mixed results from similar studies in primary care, this research specifically addresses the unique challenges in mental health care, making it a novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Jane Mingjia — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Jane Mingjia
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
An integrated mobile health program to reduce SAVA and mental health problems among female sex workers in Kenya
A new mobile health program aims to help female sex workers in Kenya avoid substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression by delivering group therapy, online resources, and a peer discussion space.
-
Adolescent girls in Uganda: a long-term look at how money empowerment and family support affect HIV prevention, care, and mental health
A long-term study in rural Uganda will test whether an intervention that combines economic empowerment and family strengthening can help HIV-negative and HIV-affected adolescent girls move safely into young adulthood.
-
Long-term HIV prevention and mental health support for adolescent girls and young women in Uganda
A long-term program in rural Uganda tests if combining economic support and family strengthening helps teenage girls stay HIV-free and improve mental health as they grow into young adults.
-
Johns Hopkins Total Worker Health Center focusing on mental health
A nationwide center at Johns Hopkins is working to improve mental health and well-being among workers by studying workplace health strategies and translating findings into practical tools.
-
Maternal mental health help to protect kids’ breathing health
A mother-focused mental health program is tested to see if improving moms’ mood can also support better breathing and fewer asthma symptoms in children.
-
SNEngage: How Social Networks and Supports Shape Mental Health Care for Black and Latino Individuals with Serious Mental Illness
A long-term study following Black and Latino individuals with serious mental illness to learn how their social networks affect engagement with mental health services and overall well-being.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.