Impacts of a Medicaid Wraparound Model Demonstration Program on Youth Specialty Mental Health Services Use

Effective coordination of mental health care is critical in Medicaid wraparound model programs for youth. This study examined participation over time in mental health services for youth diverted or transitioned from residential care to a Medicaid wraparound demonstration program. Youth in wraparound had more sustained use of mental health outpatient clinic services than did propensity score matched youth who were not in wraparound. However, the rate of outpatient clinic follow-up after inpatient discharge was no greater in wraparound. Routine assessment of wraparound programs’ impacts on receipt of mental health care may inform the development of Medicaid wraparound program performance standards.