The National Councile for Community Behavioral Health released an edition of its National Council Magazine that examines the impact of the national health care reform law on MH/SUD financing and service delivery.  The issue outlines the changes the law makes that will affect MH/SUD services, including the increase in health coverage through the expansion of Medicaid and the law's individual insurance mandate.  The National Council notes that the synergy of the expasion of insurance coverage coupled with the implementation of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) will result in a profound increase in utilization of behavioral health services financed through private insurance and Medicaid.

From the report: Medicaid coverage will expand to persons at 133% of the Federal Poverty Level — this means 15 million more people will be eligible to enroll in Medicaid by 2019, taking the total Medicaid population to 50 million people. Those covered by Medicaid will receive mental health and substance use services on par with other healthcare services.

Full report: Healthcare Reform: Mental Health and Addiction Services (PDF | 9.78MB)

National Council for Community Behavioral Health.  (2010).  Healthcare reform: mental health and addiction services.