this post was submitted on 03 Sep 2023
495 points (95.6% liked)
Showerthoughts
29707 readers
1452 users here now
A "Showerthought" is a simple term used to describe the thoughts that pop into your head while you're doing everyday things like taking a shower, driving, or just daydreaming. A showerthought should offer a unique perspective on an ordinary part of life.
Rules
- All posts must be showerthoughts
- The entire showerthought must be in the title
- Avoid politics
- NEW RULE as of 5 Nov 2024, trying it out
- Political posts often end up being circle jerks (not offering unique perspective) or enflaming (too much work for mods).
- Try c/politicaldiscussion, volunteer as a mod here, or start your own community.
- Posts must be original/unique
- Adhere to Lemmy's Code of Conduct-----
founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage/mental-health-substance-abuse-coverage/
Boom, look what government regulation of healthcare can do.
That is only if you get healthcare through the ACA healthcare marketplace. Those plans cost upward of $400 a month. While private healthcare plans do sometimes cover mental healthcare, you then have to find a mental healthcare provider that accepts your health insurance. They are not required to accept all healthcare plans and that can mean you have to drive 1+ hours away for mental health appointments. Under my insurance the closest psychiatrist that takes me healthcare is two hours away, and they have an eight month wait list. That was the one I got to actually call me back to find that out. The other ones 2+ hours away never even bothered to call me back.
I got tried to get on the wait list for the local healthcare group that has a few psychologists on staff last October. They told me it would be two months before someone reached out to me to set up an actual appointment. It is now August 2023 and I’ve still never been contacted.
No, ACA compliant plans are the standard, including employer-sponsored plans.
Every ACA compliant plan has the same list of minimum coverages, including the above.
Every state-run plan under Medicare and Medicaid are also ACA compliant.
If you've chosen a non-compliant plan, or opted to skip your state's healthcare exchange, or are unlucky enough to live in a state where Republicans have tried to fuck you over by not expanding Medicaid under the ACA, I'm sorry.
None of those things, though, affect the mental healthcare provider shortage in this country, though. If you're still waiting for an appointment, perhaps you should call back and check for open slots regularly?