Healthcare Law Changes For Those With Private Insurance and a Substance Use Disorder

The Affordable Care Act is leading to changes, both now and in 2014, for people with private health insurance who have a substance use disorder (SUD).

The law states that children younger than 19 cannot be denied health insurance because of a SUD. Young adults can be on their parents’ private insurance until they turn 26, even if they have a SUD. All new insurance plans cover 100 percent of the cost of preventive services such as alcohol misuse screening and counseling, and certain programs to help people quit smoking, according to The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati.

Beginning in 2014, no one can be denied insurance because of a SUD or any other mental or physical health problem. Insurers cannot have yearly limits on essential health benefits, including SUD services.

To find out more about public insurance and substance use disorders under the ACA, visit The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati’s website.

Funding for Join Together is provided in part by an unrestricted educational grant from The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati.