Data included in recent analysis from the Health Policy Institute of Ohio shows that mental health treatment rates for people with serious mental illness are higher for Medicaid-enrolled adults compared to those who are uninsured or who have private insurance, as illustrated above.

Ohio policymakers are considering discontinuation of Medicaid expansion coverage if the federal government reduces the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) (i.e., federal match) for this group below the current 90% federal contribution. This decision would impact approximately 770,000 Ohioans.

HPIO recently released a new brief on the impact of Medicaid expansion in Ohio on access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment. It is first in a series of policy briefs in HPIO’s 2025 Ohio Medicaid Expansion Study.

Behavioral health conditions are common among Ohioans, including those with Medicaid coverage. In 2024, 40% of Ohioans enrolled in Medicaid expansion had a primary mental health or substance use disorder (SUD) diagnosis.

“If expansion was discontinued, many Ohioans would lose access to treatment,” according to the brief. “Policy priorities such as improving supports for recovery and re-entry and suicide prevention could be curtailed.”