Promised Changes to Healthcare and Their Repercussions to the Mentally Ill

Yes, the American Health Care Act and its aimed repeal of the Affordable Care Act failed. But once again, Congress is looking at taking action to change or limit benefits, including key mental health benefits, that have helped so many over the last few years. The current political climate is not good for people with mental illness. Many receive benefits under the ACA’s parity for mental and physical health clause and Medicaid expansion. For many of those, especially people struggling with substance abuse, the treatment made available has been very successful. I’ve heard scores of stories, and have seen lots of data, illustrating how people for who care was unattainable have been able to turn their lives around just because of the availability of treatment. That, and their own hard work at getting well. Now, with the attitudes spurred by the failed American Health Care Act, those newly granted benefits are being viewed by some as up for review. There’s a lot more at stake than who pays, if anyone pays, for treatment for those with mental illness and desperate financial circumstances. A new trend in our culture, or a long deep-seated but unspoken feeling newly emerged, whispers and sometimes exclaims that we’re not worth it. Enough, a large group of Americans has proclaimed. We’re not going to pay for the poor and sick anymore. With a vast class struggling and a voice given to their anger, a sense of community and compassion seems to be set up as a victim of the angry...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Disorders General Mental Health and Wellness Minding the Media Personal Policy and Advocacy affordable care act Health Care Health Insurance Medicaid medicair Mental Disorder obamacare Psychiatric Care Psychosis Source Type: blogs