How Might the Affordable Care Act Revolutionize Addiction Treatment?

The Affordable Care Act came into effect January 1^st, 2014 and it requires that no insurance company may refuse to cover someone for a preexisting condition and now insurance coverage is attainable for people of lower income levels.  Obamacare’s treatment of drug addiction and alcoholism as chronic diseases that must be covered by insurance plans could help as many as 40 million U.S. citizens enter treatment, according to information from the California Health Report.

Recent government statistical data shows that around 24 million aged 12 years and older are in need of treatment for a substance abuse issue, but only 11% of them will receive it at a professional drug and alcohol treatment program.  The national average cost for entering a substance abuse treatment program is around $4,000 for admission and outpatient programs run an average of $1,500 for a course of treatment.

The passage of Obamacare could help eliminate the cost barriers for people who may not have otherwise been able to financially afford to seek drug and alcohol treatment.  Dr. Thomas McLellan, former deputy director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy said in an interview with the California Health Report, “I don’t think there’s another illness that will be more affected by the Affordable Care Act.”

Drug addiction, alcoholism and substance abuse have not always been considered as chronic illnesses.  However, since opiate abuse is on the rise in America, alcoholism and other addiction issues cost the country about $120 billion per year in health care spending, the new law places the emphasis on both treatment and prevention.  The Affordable Care Act forces insurers to cover the cost of rehab and encourages medical professionals to screen patients for possible drug or alcohol addictions.

Screening someone for a potential substance abuse or addiction issue can also prevent other chronic diseases from forming or becoming worse, especially since many people with these issues do not seek health care services because of the associated stigma and exorbitant costs.  The Affordable Care Act could also wind up driving up healthcare costs indirectly, because of causing other medical issues.  Doctors are hoping the ACA’s two-pronged approach to substance abuse could help curb addictions and reduce healthcare spending substantially.

If you have specific questions about how the Affordable Care Act could positively impact your treatment experiences, you can call us at the California Addiction Network for further information.  Now more than ever before, the cost of drug and alcohol treatment could be more affordable and it is the right time to find out if you qualify to be covered under the Affordable Care Act.  Do not wait any longer, because you could finally have access to the services and treatment you need to change your entire life.