Comparative Costs of State Hospital and Community-Based Inpatient Care in Texas: Who Benefits Most?

Noting that the high cost of inpatient programs in community mental health centers has long been used as an argument for terminating community inpatient programs, the authors report on a study comparing costs in Texas community mental health and mental retardation centers and in the state hospital system. The study reviewed characteristics and treatment costs of the 1347 persons treated in all Texas center inpatient programs in a three-month period and of the 169 patients who were subsequently treated in Texas state hospitals. The authors conclude that the system of providing community-based care with state hospital backup is a significant bargain for state funding authorities.