💨 Abstract

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) significantly improved mental and behavioral health coverage in the U.S., making mental health services more accessible and affordable. Mental health issues are widespread, with 22.8% of U.S. adults experiencing mental illness in 2021. The ACA mandates coverage for mental health and substance use disorder services as essential health benefits, ensuring most individual and small group health insurance plans offer these services.

Courtesy: WTOP Staff