Mental Health Colorado: Affordable Care Act Statement of Support 

Mental Health America and Mental Health Colorado fought hard for many years to get the protections and services for people with mental health and substance use conditions into law. We will continue to fight against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act. 

At a time when this country is facing a public health crisis unlike any before, eliminating health care access for 19 million citizens is neither cost-efficient nor constructive. Before the implementation of the ACA, over 50 % of personal bankruptcies in the U.S. were due to health care costs. 

Symptoms of a serious mental health condition often appear between the ages of 14 and 24. Thanks to the ACA, young people have been able to remain on their parents’ insurance plan until the age of 26.  The elimination of this protection will further erode the ability of young people to access mental health and substance use care.  

Protecting the ACA is one of the most important things we can do for Colorado. 

Good health care, including care for mental health and substance use conditions, should be a top priority for all of us. Going back to the days of insurance denials for millions of Americans is not a good idea. It does not make economic sense, community sense, or medical sense.