Improving mental health care access for rural communities through Medicaid policy changes
Official title: Improving rural mental health equity through Medicaid policy evaluation - resubmission
Funded at University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-11082307 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in Medicaid rules can help people in rural areas, especially those from minority communities, get better mental health care after visiting the emergency room. Dr. Margaret Greenwood-Ericksen wants to find out if different payment methods can make a difference in improving mental health support for these communities in New Mexico.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $153,706 |
| NIH project number | 5K08HS029038-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082307 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include rural residents, particularly those from underrepresented minority communities, who are Medicaid beneficiaries seeking mental health care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living in urban areas or those not enrolled in Medicaid may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on evaluating how changes in Medicaid policy can improve mental health care access and outcomes for rural populations, particularly among underrepresented minority communities. The principal investigator, Dr. Margaret Greenwood-Ericksen, aims to assess the effectiveness of alternative payment models in reducing disparities in mental health care following emergency department visits. By studying the impact of these policies in New Mexico, a state with a high percentage of Medicaid beneficiaries and diverse populations, the research seeks to identify strategies that can enhance mental health equity in rural areas.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health outcomes and reduced disparities for rural and underrepresented minority populations accessing Medicaid services.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that policy interventions can effectively address health disparities, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greenwood-Ericksen, Margaret B — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Greenwood-Ericksen, Margaret B
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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.