Countdown to january 1st, 2014: Mental health and the affordable care act

We influence public policy regarding mental health and substance use disorders. We're committed to leading the transformation of our nation's health to a preventive health system. Why? In 2011, 1 in 5 American adults had a mental illness (MI); 1:27 experienced suicidal ideation; and one in 12 youths had a major depressive disorder (MDE). Of 45.6 million adults with MI, only 17.4 million (38.2%) received needed care; and 8 million (17.5%) met the criteria for a substance use disorder. Of the 2 million youths with MDE, 36% used illicit drugs compared to 17.4% in the population without a MDE. This presentation will focus on two legislative developments that impact the prevention, treatment and financing of mental health and substance use: the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA) and the Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA). The MHPAEA and the ACA supports people with mental health and substance use disorders to receive access to insurance coverage. For many people, it provides a set of essential health benefits that includes early screening, health promotion, and substance use and mental health treatment. While the MHPAEA and the ACA advance an integrated, system of care, we also need to understand the impact of social determinants on mental health and and substance use conditions. There is a continued need to finance preventive, social and public health programs beyond the ACA; and identify opportunities for redirection of dollars and coordination.