Medicaid Expansion Could Extend Mental Health Benefits to 13 Million More Americans

Easiest Path To Mental Health Funding May Be Medicaid Expansion by Michael Ollove.  Stateline.  January 18, 2013.

Public investment in mental health has withered in the 21st century with the decline being particularly pronounced since the beginning of the economic downturn.  The Affordable Care Act offers possibilities to reverse this trend.  Mental health coverage must be offered in the insurance exchanges must be offered, making this benefit available to an additional 8 million.  An estimated 13 million would be eligible for mental health services under Medicaid expansion IF all states opted for expansion.     20 governors have committed to expansion with ten declining.  The article examines alternative approaches to mental health services and funding in the states.