Susan Weinstein, J.D.
Editor in Chief, Care for Your Mind

In a decision more political than legally sound, a judge in a U.S. District Court in Texas struck down the Affordable Care Act (ACA, also known as Obamacare) last week. (Download the 55-page decision.) In Texas v. U.S.A., Judge Reed O’Connor determined that when Congress removed the penalty for not having health insurance, it rendered the entire ACA statutory scheme invalid. However, knowing that the decision would be appealed, the judge left the ACA to function normally until it ran its course in the court system...

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Susan Weinstein, Co-Executive Director
Families for Depression Awareness

For families affected by a mental health condition, what elements of health insurance are necessary?

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Jeffrey Harman, PhD
College of Medicine, Florida State University

Care For Your Mind acknowledges and appreciates the collaboration of the National Network of Depression Centers for developing this post.

Our nation’s healthcare system has made impressive progress in the last several years. As a direct result of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), we’ve reached a record low uninsured rate; the number of unpaid medical bills (or bad debt) has plummeted; and 20 million Americans now have insurance purchased through the ACA marketplace.

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Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

With Republicans moving into the White House and controlling both houses of Congress, what can the American people expect to happen to “Obamacare” and what impact will that have for those of us living with a mood disorder and our families? If Obamacare collapses, will we have access to mental health care?

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Recently CFYM sat down with DBSA Texas Grassroots Organization (“GO”) Chair Kimberly Allen to discuss the Affordable Care Act. Ms. Allen is a former insurance broker who has advised individuals living with a mental health condition and their families on matters pertaining to health insurance. In this informative interview, Ms. Allen shares tips on how to find the ACA policy that best fits your circumstances. Additionally, we’d like your feedback on High Deductible Insurance Plans. 

Care for Your Mind: It’s been three years now since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). What effect has it had on individuals living with a mental health condition and their families?

Kimberly Allen: People now have a lot more access to mental health services. For starters, no one can be denied insurance coverage based on preexisting conditions and plans cannot charge more based on medical history or current health care needs.

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Cause for celebration or just one victory in a long-term battle

On November 8, 2013 the Obama administration released the final rule providing guidance on how health insurance plans should implement mental health parity. In short, the rule states that mental health coverage must be equitable to how insurance plans cover other physical conditions. Restrictions accessing care and reimbursement for services can no longer be different for mental health in relation to other health care services. Additionally the ACA, more popularly known as Obamacare, requires that mental health coverage be included as an essential health benefit for plans available through the market exchange.  In short, as of January 1, 2014 private, marketplace exchange and Medicaid Expansion plans must offer mental health care and it must be with parity.

Much has been written about the ruling. Most of it positive. Bloomberg BNA states advocates are praising the rule. The National Council applauds the ruling saying it is “a huge victory for people living with mental health needs and for the nation as a whole.

CFYM has covered the topic in past blogs and has provided instructions on how to fight for your coverage rights by challenging an insurance claim denial. Carol McDaid of the Parity Implementation Coalition posted on September 19 that now is the time to become an informed, empowered, and vocal consumer. There is much work still to be done to ensure the civil rights and protection of people living with a mental health condition when it comes to access, however.

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