Gaps and barriers in drug and alcohol treatment following implementation of the affordable care act.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study examines changes in the substance use disorder (SUD) treatment gap and barriers to treatment for low-income adults following Affordable Care Act (ACA) implementation.

Methods

National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data were pooled to assess pre-ACA (2009-2013) and post-ACA (2015-2019) implementation. The sample (n = 44,622) included respondents 18-64 years old, income <200% federal poverty level, and meeting SUD criteria for abuse or dependence of heroin, powdered cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, or alcohol. The primary outcome was NSDUH-defined past-year illicit drug or alcohol treatment gap (needing but not receiving SUD specialty treatment). A secondary analysis assessed barriers to SUD treatment including insurance-related barriers,

SUBMITTER: Tomko C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9835109 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature