Mental Health
New and noteworthy
Opioid Deaths Fell in Mid-2023, But Progress Is Uneven and Future Trends are Uncertain
The recent decline in opioid overdose deaths during the latter half of 2023 is a trend that varies by age, race, gender and state.
White people saw the largest decline, while among Black people the decline was about half that, compared to the same period the year before. All age groups saw declines in opioid overdose deaths except for people 65 and older, among whom deaths increased. Opioid deaths declined in three quarters of states in the last six months of 2023, compared to the the same months in 2022.
Also: Most People Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl are U.S. Citizens
White people saw the largest decline, while among Black people the decline was about half that, compared to the same period the year before. All age groups saw declines in opioid overdose deaths except for people 65 and older, among whom deaths increased. Opioid deaths declined in three quarters of states in the last six months of 2023, compared to the the same months in 2022.
Also: Most People Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl are U.S. Citizens
Access and coverage
Mental Health Parity at a Crossroads
More than 25 years after the first federal mental health parity protections were put in place, adequate coverage for behavioral health care remains elusive. This brief explains the federal behavioral health parity requirements and sets out key policy issues.A Look at State Take-Up of ARPA Mobile Crisis Services in Medicaid
This policy watch examines what mobile crisis is, what changes to mobile crisis were included in American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and how many states are implementing ARPA approved mobile crisis services.
Mental Health Findings from 2022 Women’s Health Survey
This issue brief focuses on the access and coverage of mental health services using data from the 2022 KFF Women’s Health Survey.Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Coverage in Medicare
These FAQs review mental health and substance use disorder coverage and cost sharing in Medicare and discuss recent policy changes related to coverage of mental health and substance use disorder treatments.Examining New Medicaid Resources to Expand School-Based Behavioral Health Services
How does the recent guidance from CMS increase access to behavioral health care services in schools? KFF explores implementation of provisions from the Safer Communities Act of 2022.
