Insurance Status

Insurance status has long been a barrier to access healthcare.  This is particularly true with regard to accessing mental healthcare.  The recently enacted Affordable Care Act (ACA) has prompted much analysis and discussion about possible impacts of the law.  Opportunities for research, analysis and shaping of public policy are prevalent.

The benefits of access to preventive services for behavioral health conditions have been increasingly recognized, as illustrated by the recent decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The decision was based on a recommendation of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), to provide access for depression screening in primary care settings for those covered by Medicare.

The Academy has identified this as a rich area for research and policy development.