Medicaid Expansion Can Improve Latino Behavioral Health

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According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), nearly 1.9 million people with mental illness or substance use disorders are currently uninsured and live in states that have not yet expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). HHS recently released a report highlighting how states can improve access to behavioral health services by expanding Medicaid in these states.

In March 2000, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) and its Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) acknowledged the growing mental health service needs of a rapidly growing Latino community. To date, 30 states plus DC have expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Twenty states—including many large Latino populations such as Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, and Georgia—have not opted into the increased aid.

Substance use disorders and mental illness are prevalent and serious public health problems in American communities and are increasing in numbers in the Latino population. The report determined that nearly 30% of the individuals with behavioral health issues in these states were from low-income and uninsured households.

“[The] report shows that Medicaid expansion is an important step states can take to address behavioral health needs, including serious mental illness and opioid and other substance use disorders,” said HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell.

The report highlights the proposed benefits of Medicaid expansion could dramatically improve the health outcomes of individuals dealing with substance use disorders or mental health issues by improving their access to care and treatment. HHS research has determined that low-income adults are more likely to receive treatment if they have access to Medicaid.

Read more about the report here.

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