USARA Supports Medicaid Expansion in Utah

The need for Medicaid Expansion is critical to Utahns who suffer from addiction and/or mental health conditions.  In FY2016 it is estimated that 53,000 uninsured Utahns fall into the coverage gap and for FY2017 there will be an estimated 63,000 (Coverage Gap: uninsured individuals/families who are at 0-100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) https://www.parkviewmc.com/app/files/public/1484/2016-Poverty-Level-Chart.pdf)

In Utah, it is estimated that 30% of this population, 18,900 individuals have a Behavioral Health Condition (Substance Use Disorder and/or Mental Health Disorder). Out of 18,900 on PCN 68% report no income and there is no covered access to Behavioral Health services.

It is only assumed that an estimated 20,000 of the 63,000 uninsured Utahns may already have access to being insured through their employer or other non-Medicaid plan, which may or may not be affordable for that person.  However, there are still many large employers and self-funded insurance plans that are not required to provide a Behavioral Health benefit, and some insurance companies have exclusions for court ordered treatment.  In Utah, we estimate that number is 14,533 individuals with a Criminal Justice history who are seeking treatment and their only option is to be put on the long waiting list for public funded services.  In the meantime, while they wait they are without help, and only leaves them with the solution to continue to use substances to cope with their untreated condition, many who will be re-arrested for the very problem that they need help with.

The numbers are only an estimate and there are always variances.   Ultimately we are still confronted with a crisis; there are thousands of Utahns in need of treatment for substance use and/or mental health conditions who are without insurance and access to the health care they must have to get better.

These are serious issues that impact Utahns still suffering from addiction and for many who are also working to stay healthy to maintain long term Recovery.  Recovery Advocates, individuals, family members and friends we need your voices heard. 

Utah needs Medicaid Expansion http://www.healthpolicyproject.org/

Parity is Personal  https://parityispersonal.org/