Part of our mission statement includes: IPA aims to promote health and human welfare by encouraging the application of psychology in individual and family life, business, law, healthcare, and education.
IPA’s Advocacy Committee was approached about endorsing Proposition 2. After careful consideration within our committee, it is apparent that expanding Medicaid in Idaho is consistent with IPA’s mission to promote health and human welfare by removing income-related barriers to behavioral and mental health treatment. As scientist practitioners, we have reviewed the available research on the impact of Medicaid expansion and have concluded that Proposition 2 is likely to improve the lives of Idahoans. Research from other states suggests that Medicaid enrollment was associated with improved mental health status, increased utilization of Medication Assisted Treatment and psychosocial treatment of opioid dependence. Further findings included increased employment and economic self-sufficiency, suggesting that improved healthcare allowed Ohio residents to be more functional in their daily lives. Specifically, over 80% of employed Ohioans with Medicaid reported that it was easier for them to work after having Medicaid coverage, and 60% of those who were unemployed with Medicaid noted that they were better able to seek out employment after having Medicaid (http://medicaid.ohio.gov/Portals/0/Resources/Reports/Annual/Group-VIII-Final-Report.pdf ). A literature review by the Kaiser Family Foundation (2018) found that states with Medicaid expansion have seen increased access to medications and services for behavioral health and mental health (https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/the-effects-of-medicaid-expansion-under-the-aca-updated-findings-from-a-literature-review-march-2018/ ).
Questions may be directed to Lyn McArthur, Ph.D., IPA State Advocacy Chair, at lmcarthur@healthwestinc.org.