ACA Insurance Plans Fall Short on Addiction Services

(Fall 2016) A recent study by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse reveals that over 66% of the 2017 Essential Health Benefits (EHB) benchmark plans do not meet the Affordable Care Act (ACA) standards for addiction treatment. The EHB benchmark plans are chosen individually by each state and serve as the standard for addiction services that may be accessed in that state. Currently, 12.7 million individuals are insured by ACA plans nationwide. Federal law demands that addiction treatment be covered by the plans since it is listed as an Essential Health Benefit and must be addressed at a level equal to surgical and medical coverage.

Due to shortcomings in these healthcare plans, researchers warn that individuals suffering from addiction issues may not be getting the complete span of services needed. This lack of equal coverage is a reason for concern, due to the growing ranks of individuals afflicted with – and perishing from – addiction.

See more Legal & Legislative Updates articles.