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Behavioral Health Coverage in Medicaid Managed Care

Posted 5/11/2020 (updated 3/28/2024)

Approximately one in six adults in the United States lives with a behavioral health condition, with rates rising among children and adolescents. More than two-thirds (68.1%) of all Medicaid enrollees were enrolled in Medicaid health plans in 2016, an increase from 65.5 percent in 2015. Behavioral health continues to be a major focus for the Medicaid program, with many Medicaid health plans providing behavioral health coverage as part of their comprehensive benefits package. However, many individuals still do not seek or complete treatment. In this issue brief, we report findings from the Institute for Medicaid Innovation’s annual Medicaid managed care survey that are specific to behavioral health, including trends in prevalence and disparities. We also outline opportunities to address research, clinical, and policy priorities for behavioral health.