Article: Official says Md. in strong position to help more addicts who will have health insurance
Source:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/official-says-md-in-strong-position-to-help-more-addicts-who-will-have-health-insurance/2013/04/16/00d1c3cc-a6a9-11e2-9e1c-bb0fb0c2edd9_story.htmlhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/local/official-says-md-in-strong-position-to-help-more-addicts-who-will-have-health-insurance/2013/04/16/00d1c3cc-a6a9-11e2-9e1c-bb0fb0c2edd9_story.html
According to the article (Washington Post, 2013), approximately 41,000 drug and alcohol addicts in Maryland are estimated to be eligible for health insurance next year under the federal health overhaul, according to the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and Maryland’s health secretary
The number of additional drug addicts who will be eligible for health insurance will dramatically increase by about 20,000 after Maryland expands Medicaid as planned under federal health care reform.
While talking with peers and co-workers about the subject, there is a 50-50 split of support for this position. Some state that this will allow more people to get proper substance abuse treatment; given them a chance to gain independence and transform their lives. As pointed out in the article, such a chance may lead to less criminal behavior, more employment and better outcomes for individuals and their families. However, others feel that no one should be responsible for there bad choices and they must suffer the consequences.
I must say that I am in support of this position. Addiction is an illness that cannot be simply overlooked. This country has the obligation and the duty to provide care for all individuals no matter the type of sickness and/or how the sickness came about.
What is your position?