CENTER CITY, Minn., June 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hazelden President and CEO Mark Mishek said he was greatly relieved by today's U.S. Supreme Court decision to largely uphold the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, calling it "an essential step forward for millions of people who need help overcoming addiction."
Mishek noted that tens of millions of uninsured Americans now can gain access to nondiscriminatory addiction treatment services under the law, which includes addiction treatment as part of the "essential health benefits" package to be sold by all health care plans in the insurance "exchanges."
"This historic, life-saving ruling lifts the burdens and obstacles that had been set before those who wished to find freedom from the disease of addiction," said Mishek.
The need for reform was pressing and urgent:
- Only 11 percent of the 23.5 million people suffering from alcohol or other drug addiction receive any form of treatment. (Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.)
- Addiction costs the nation an estimated $416 billion a year more than cancer ($226 billion), and more than obesity ($147 billion). (Sources: National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control.)
- Every $1 spent on addiction treatment saves $7 in crime and criminal justice costs, and when researchers add savings related to health care, the savings-to-cost ratio is $12 for every $1 spent. (Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse.)
"Expanding access to addiction treatment was a moral and financial imperative," Mishek said. "It will save dollars, and, even more important, it will save lives."
To speak with a Hazelden expert about the impact of the court's ruling, please contact Christine Anderson at 651-213-4231 or [email protected]
About Hazelden
Hazelden, a national nonprofit organization founded in 1949, helps people reclaim their lives from the disease of addiction. Built on decades of knowledge and experience, Hazelden offers a comprehensive approach to addiction that addresses the full range of patient, family, and professional needs, including substance abuse treatment and continuing care for youth and adults, research, higher education, public education and advocacy, and publishing. Learn more at www.hazelden.org.
SOURCE Hazelden
WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?
Newsrooms &
Influencers
Digital Media
Outlets
Journalists
Opted In
Share this article