Source: Statnews.com
Currently, an estimated one million people who suffer from mental health problems and addiction are covered under Obamacare.
As the new health care bill is introduced, groups worry that patients who suffer from mental health issues and substance abuse will no longer have access to proper treatment, as states would not be required to offer them a substantial degree of health care coverage.
Approximately 30,000 Americans die from overdoses every year, and the opioid crisis could worsen if patients are no longer receiving adequate treatments and medications.
Under the current plan, Medicaid covers addiction treatments for thousands of patients. The new plan would introduce a fixed amount of money for states to use as they deem appropriate, allowing them more “flexibility” in how they use and distribute those funds. This could result in states choosing to cut off funds for “expensive patients” who need more medications and treatments.
Read full story at: Statnews.com