MONTPELIER, Vt. -
Health care reform poses challenges and opportunities for mental health care and addiction recovery.
The Vermont Coalition for Whole Health has been meeting to look at how funding will need to be reallocated under Vermont's single-payer system. One example-- under new federal rules adult children are allowed to stay on their parents insurance until age 26. Experts say that's creating a much higher demand for addiction and recovery services, and highlighting what is already a shortage of qualified doctors, nurses and counselors.
"So, outpatient treatment, inpatient treatment, recovery support services for mental health and addiction, peer support services and also primary prevention and wellness services are some of the coverage that we're focusing on. We want to make sure that's available to all Vermonters," said Patty McCarthy Metcalf of Friends of Recovery.
The group of mental health stakeholders will be meeting with the Green Mountain Care Board later this month. Click here for more information.
