Treatment Claims Rise for Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health Conditions

The number of private insurance claims for treatment of substance use disorders and mental health conditions has skyrocketed in the last 10 years, according to a new report.

The independent nonprofit FAIR Health analyzed procedures and services covered by private insurance companies from 2007 to 2017, and found use of services for behavioral health, including substance use disorders and mental health conditions, jumped 320 percent.

Treatment related to use and dependence on amphetamines rose more than 3,000 percent during that period, The Washington Post reports. Claims for treatment of barbiturate use rose 2,233 percent, while claims for treatment of hallucinogen use increased 2,055 percent. Treatment for cannabis increased 585 percent.

Experts said the increase in treatment came after the passage of two laws making access to insurance easier. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equality Act of 2008 largely mandated equal coverage for medical and surgical procedures. The 2010 Affordable Care Act further expanded coverage by making behavioral health an “essential health benefit,” which must be covered by individual and small-group plans.