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WASHINGTON, D.C. Jan. 15, 2015: The Affordable Care Act, also commonly known as Obamacare, now requires that health insurance plans offer substance abuse treatment as part of its improvement to health insurance and health care in the United States, says Sober Gateway Treatment and Therapy Center, a site that offers resources and referrals to substance abuse counseling centers and treatment centers.
Under the new guidelines provided in the law, health insurance plans that qualify for inclusion on the insurance exchanges created under the law must include coverage for substance abuse and mental health treatment. States that are expanding Medicaid coverage as called for under the 2010 law must also offer substance abuse treatment services.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the new rules will expand insurance coverage for substance abuse treatment to an additional 62 million people in the United States.
This change to health insurance laws is expected to have wide-ranging effects on national health, especially with regards to accessing substance abuse treatment. SAMHSA research shows that as recently as 2011, a full 60 to 75 percent of people who sought substance abuse treatment were uninsured.
By expanding health insurance coverage of substance abuse issues, the ACA makes it easier and therefore more likely for those struggling with drug addiction to seek and find help. The expansion began to make a substantial difference in the availability of substance abuse services in 2014, when the new health care law was fully implemented.
Sober Gateway provides information about substance abuse, addiction and substance abuse treatment services, as well as a free 24-hour hot line, and referral services to qualified counseling and treatment centers. Trained counselors are on hand around the clock to assist people in finding the most appropriate types of substance abuse counseling and substance abuse treatment centers in their area.
The website also maintains a national online directory of substance abuse treatment centers, substance abuse counselors and other services of interest for those seeking help with substance abuse.
About: Sober Gateway provides information, resources and referrals for people struggling with substance abuse problems and addictions. People seeking help in combating addiction can visit the website or call the center at any time of the day or night at 888-363-5553.
Release ID: 72264