Opinion: Rural Americans need help with ‘deaths of despair.’ Repealing the ACA won’t do that
Rural America is overwhelmed by suicides and overdoses, so-called deaths of despair. Those in power offer well-meaning words but no meaningful action. Worse, they may be making rural America sicker.
In the ongoing national health care debate, coverage for behavioral health needs to be front and center. If rural policymakers are serious about addressing suicides and overdoses in their communities, repealing mandatory behavioral health coverage offered through the Affordable Care Act is a very bad idea.
