NCJ Number
244926
Date Published
December 2013
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This paper develops the concept that by expanding and funding healthcare coverage to millions of currently uninsured people, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) presents the opportunity for criminal justice and drug policy reform advocates to pursue policies that promote safe and healthy communities that do not rely primarily on criminal justice solutions for addressing substance abuse.
Abstract
Part 1 explains some of the major provisions of the ACA that are relevant to a public health approach to drug abuse. Emphasis is given to the requirement for health insurance that is facilitated by health exchanges and Medicaid expansion, the requirement for insurance to cover substance abuse disorders and mental health disorders, and opportunities for improved models of coordinated care. ACA provisions have created a context within which healthcare providers and advocates can forge new partnerships that can shift the focus to healthcare services as the model for addressing substance abuse. Part 2 of this paper outlines a series of recommendations with program and policy examples and suggested action steps within and across three broad categories. One focus for action is to ensure access to health care for people most likely to be pursued by the criminal justice system for violations of drug laws. A second focus for action is the leveraging of ACA provisions to reduce incarceration and criminal justice involvement by expanding the use of alternatives to incarceration as the policy emphasis and the expanded use of diversion programs that conduct needs assessment and treatment appropriate for identified needs. The third focus for action is to move from a criminalization-based drug policy to a policy based in health-oriented services.