Use of Medicaid for mental health care by clients of community support programs.

The use of Medicaid for mental health services by the severely mentally ill is examined using paid Medicaid claims for clients of Community Support Programs in Wisconsin. The extent to which clients participate in Medicaid, the types and amounts of mental health services, and the costs of services are discussed. A narrow majority of CSP clients use Medicaid, which provides a substantial amount of case management service for program participants. Psychotropic medications are also used by a large percentage of clients. Other relatively common services covered by Medicaid are medication checks and psychotherapy. Average annual Medicaid payments for mental health services (including medications) are $2438.