This article examined Medicaid enrollees from 10 states in 1995.  Results reveal that behavioral health clients made up one third of high-cost Medicaid enrollees though they were only 11 percent of the total enrollee population.  The article also provides breakdowns of Medicaid coverage and cost for adults and children.  

Buck, J. A., Teich, J. L., & Miller, K. (2003). Use of mental health and substance abuse services among high-cost Medicaid enrollees. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 31(1): 3-14.  DOI: 10.1023/A:1026089422101.

The full report is available from SAMHSA here: Use of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services among High-Cost Medicaid Enrollees (PDF | 70.41 KB)

Authors: Jeffrey A. Buck, Judith L. Teich, Kay Miller