New health care plan should cover addiction
No Illinois doctor will deny care to an individual suffering from chest pain based on a hospital’s bed or staff availability. No person at risk of a heart attack will be turned away for lack of patient bed or personnel in Illinois.
However, state supported substance abuse treatment providers must routinely deny care to individuals suffering from drug or alcohol addiction based on a treatment center’s staff and bed availability. In fact, nearly 6,500 people are waiting
Tragically, we know from decades of research that many of those on waiting lists will not return. Instead, their addictions will likely deepen. Criminal activity, child abuse, fatal auto accidents are likely outcomes without treatment.
Currently, the Illinois General Assembly is debating Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s universal health care plan. Substance abuse care must be included in that debate. That means adequate funding.
To provide sufficient substance abuse care to those in need, the legislature must include $32.8 million in the final state budget — funding neglected in the current proposed budget. This new money will virtually assure no person who needs care will be denied care.
Sara Moscato, CEO
Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
Association
Springfield