Hospital-Based Care Drops To 39% Of Total Behavioral Health Spending; Medicaid Is Largest Payer

Between 1986 and 2005, the percentage of national specialty behavioral health spending for hospital-based care dropped from 58% to 39%. During that time period, Medicaid became the largest payer, with the share paid by Medicaid increasing from 11% in 1986 to 23% in 2005. In 1986, national spending for specialty behavioral health services was $26.4 billion, and spending for hospital-based services was $15.2 billion. In 2005, national spending for specialty services was $74.3 billion, and spending for hospital-based services was $29.0 billion. The increase in total spending between 1986 and 2005 was not . . .