Policy Brief Topic

Topic: Access to substance abuse treatment services for the uninsured or the underinsured.

Working in a substance abuse agency that does not accept insurance, I am able to gain a different perspective on the substance abuse treatment field. Insurance is gold. Without, it becomes extremely difficult for a client to obtain the care they may need. Most times, individuals must have some kind of involvement with the courts or the legal system to obtain necessary treatment. If an individual does not have insurance, is not on probation or has no other legal issues, it is almost impossible for them to receive treatment without the use of grants or public funds. Additionally, there is typically a small window of opportunity during which an individual with a substance use disorder will ask for help prior to relapse and re engaging in use. If we are to best assist these individuals and help them save their lives, it is imminent that they receive care during that very small window. Should an individual be shut down or turned away from treatment as a result of lack of funding, lack of health insurance, or scarcity of recourses, that window closes, putting that person in even more risk of loosing their life. Addiction does not discriminate. For that reason, I see it as our job as clinicians to ensure that the quality of care does not discriminate either. As part of this policy brief, I will look a the Expanding Opportunities for Recovery Act 2014, which focuses on the access to substance abuse treatment.