Substance Use
Michigan at a crossroads: CHRT highlights key health policy issues for the incoming gubernatorial administration
The Michigan government has jurisdiction over a wide array of health policy issues. From the regulation of insurance products, to oversight of the state’s Medicaid program, to investing in local public health efforts, Michigan policymakers craft policies and budgets that impact the health of millions of Michiganders. This brief provides an overview of four key and timely health policy topics: …
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Bipartisan Budget Act adds $3B for substance abuse, mental health, more
The Bipartisan Budget Act was signed into law on February 9, 2018. While the main purpose of the legislation is to temporarily fund the federal government through March 23, 2018, it also includes an agreement to raise the caps on domestic and military spending for the next two years. The legislation includes many health care policies, as well. The health care …
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The impact of the ACA on community mental health and substance abuse services: Experience in three Great Lakes states
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allowed states to expand Medicaid coverage to low-income childless adults, many of whom receive specialty mental health and substance use services through community mental health systems. Leading up to the passage of the ACA, community mental health providers and their professional associations were generally supportive of expanding Medicaid under the ACA. Medicaid covers specialty services …
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Effects of the Affordable Care Act on the Health Care Safety Net in Detroit
Since its passage in 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has introduced a series of health care financing and delivery reforms to expand coverage, invest in health care infrastructure, and implement changes to improve quality and costs. In 2014, the ACA’s coverage expansion began in Michigan through the launches of the health insurance marketplaces on January 1 and the Healthy …
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Prevalence, medication, and therapy variations for child Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Michigan
This brief examines ADHD treatment for Michigan children (aged 4 to 17), including medication and behavioral therapy, and regional variation in treatment patterns. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurobiological disorder among children in the U.S. Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and difficulty staying focused or paying attention are common symptoms of ADHD, and may continue into adulthood. Children with ADHD …
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Uncoordinated prescription opioid use in Michigan
Prescription opioids such as morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone provide pain relief to patients with chronic pain. However, these drugs also pose safety risks to patients. Opioid use can cause respiratory depression, resulting in overdose or death. As prescription opioids have been used more extensively for pain control in the past two decades due to changing practice guidelines, overdose deaths surged …
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Affordable Care Act trend analysis: Michigan’s safety net providers and clients
This brief looks at trends between 2008 and 2014 with regard to Michigan federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and free clinics. We find that more Michigan patients are receiving care at FQHCs and some free clinics are converting to FQHCs. In 2014, the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) major coverage expansions—the individual health insurance marketplace and Medicaid expansion—significantly altered the health …
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Community mental health services: Coverage and delivery in Michigan
Since 1965, the number of Community Mental Health centers (CMHs) has increased from 12 covering 16 counties to 46 covering all 83 counties in Michigan. Today, Medicaid is the major source of most funding for the publicly funded mental health system in Michigan, and care at CMHs is an entitled benefit under Medicaid. As such, individuals with Medicaid coverage are …
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Autism spectrum disorder in Michigan
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a group of developmental disabilities that cause impairment in social interactions, communication skills, and behaviors that can have long-term health and social functioning costs for individuals with ASD and their families. In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that approximately one in 68 children in the United States were diagnosed with …
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The ACA and essential health benefits: Overview of new coverage standards in individual and small group markets
Beginning in January 2014, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) introduced a series of health insurance reforms, particularly for consumers purchasing coverage through the individual market or covered through employment at a small firm. One of the most prominent of these reforms is the requirement that all health plan products in certain market segments must cover an established set of essential …
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