Impact of increased Medicaid payments on mental health services and access

Effects of mental health reimbursement increases in Medicaid on providers and patients

NIH-funded research Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11047040

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOregon Health & Science University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Portland, United States)
Project IDNIH-11047040 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Medicaid enrollees with diagnosed mental health conditions who are affected by access gaps in mental health services.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

Portland, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.