Characteristics of individuals with behavioral health conditions who remain uninsured after full implementation of the ACA

Abstract

Objective: Since full implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2014, the number of uninsured individuals in the United States has declined considerably; however, millions still lack health insurance. Although 29% of the remaining uninsured population (8.5 million individuals) have a mental or substance use disorder, little is known about this population. Methods: This study used data from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health to describe demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, and use of behavioral health services among adults (ages 18-64) with a behavioral disorder who remained uninsured (unweighted N=2,300; weighted N of approximately 8.5 million). Results: Over half of individuals with a behavioral disorder who remained uninsured were non-Hispanic whites. The largest age group was 26-To 35-year-olds. Most worked in clerical or blue-collar occupations, and less than 20% were college graduates and above. More than 90% could qualify for insurance assistance under the ACA, either through Medicaid eligibility (income ,138% of the federal poverty level [FPL]) or eligibility for cost-sharing subsidies or tax credits on the health insurance exchanges (income $138% but ,400% of the FPL). Rates of behavioral health treatment were low; however, nearly half of Medicaid-eligible individuals (46%) reported a past-year emergency department visit. Conclusions: The high proportion of behavioral health conditions among the remaining uninsured population, and the fact that a significant portion of this population would be eligible for ACA insurance support, highlights the need for continued educational outreach efforts and steps to remove barriers to treatment access.