How Changes to Medicaid can Benefit Those with Substance Use Disorders

In 2014, the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) expansion of Medicaid coverage to childless adults will greatly expand the numbers of adults with addictions that can qualify for Medicaid coverage. Prior to the mid 1990s, many of those with serious addictions received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from Social Security, which also meant they were enrolled in Medicaid in all states. However, as part of the 1996 Congressional Contract with America, substance use disorders were eliminated as a qualifying diagnosis under all Social Security programs.

This session will explore what this dramatic change will mean to childless adults with serious addictions, including: • Estimated numbers of uninsured with substance use disorders that will be able to gain Medicaid coverage; • An examination of the coverage in the benchmark plans to which they are limited, including exploring the requirement for “essential substance use disorder services” at parity. • Review of a recent SAMHSA examination of how states currently cover treatment for substance use disorders. • Discussion of how other ACA changes in Medicaid may improve care for those with substance use disorders, such as the state options to provide a health homes, to expand home and community based services and to make additions to the Rehabilitations option.