HHS: 1.9 million adults would gain mental health coverage with Medicaid expansion

An estimated 1.9 million uninsured adults with mental illness or substance use disorders are eligible for Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act but live in states that have not expanded coverage, according to a report released today by the Department of Health and Human Services. That’s 28% of adults who would be eligible for Medicaid expansion in those states, HHS estimates. In addition to increasing access to treatment for these individuals, expanding coverage may reduce other medical costs, increase employment productivity and lower overall rates of depression, the agency said. "Today’s 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. Twenty states have yet to expand Medicaid eligibility under the ACA, although one (Louisiana) plans to do so in July.