Care Management Intervention for Medicaid-Enrolled Adults With First-Time Psychiatric Admission

A behavioral health managed care organization in Pennsylvania expanded a bridging strategy associated with reducing multiple readmissions to Medicaid-enrolled adults with a first admission to an inpatient mental health service. The intervention consisted of active problem solving, screenings, assessment of individuals' motivation for ongoing treatment, care management services, and resource coordination. The intervention was associated with significantly lower rates of readmission and higher rates of aftercare receipt within 30 days compared with nonreceipt of the intervention. Direct cost savings were achieved through fewer readmissions, but longer-term savings may be achieved by affecting the illness trajectory for individuals with behavioral health disorders.