APA News Release: Supreme Court Decision Ensures Continued Mental Health Care Coverage for Millions of Americans

Thu June 25, 2015

For Information Contact:
Glenn O'Neal, 703-907-8640
press@psych.org
Erin Connors, 703-907-8562
econnors@psych.org

ARLINGTON, Va., June 25, 2015 — Today the U.S. Supreme Court upheld tax-credit subsidies for people who purchased health insurance through exchanges run by the federal government. Approximately 6.4 million people in 34 states received subsidies provided by this provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) releases the following statement from APA President Renée Binder, M.D., in response to today’s decision in King v. Burwell:

"We are pleased that the Supreme Court upheld subsidies for more than 6 million people,” Binder said. “Today’s decision means these Americans will continue to receive vital mental health benefits as guaranteed by the ACA. As the physician experts and leaders in mental health treatment, we know there can be no health care without mental health care. The King v. Burwell ruling ensures that millions of Americans will continue to have access to these critical services."

The ACA requires all plans sold through the insurance exchanges to cover mental illness and substance use disorders on par with other medical and surgical benefits. This and other provisions in the law have expanded access to mental health treatment and ensured better care for those with mental illnesses.

"We will continue to work with Congress, the Administration and the medical community to ensure that mental illness and substance use disorders are treated the same as other illnesses as outlined in the ACA,” said APA CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A.

The American Psychiatric Association is a national medical specialty society whose physician members specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research of mental illnesses, including substance use disorders. Visit the APA at www.psychiatry.org.

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