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Health law could overwhelm addiction services

In a major break with the past, 3 million to 5 million people with drug and alcohol problems from homeless drug addicts to working moms who drink too much will soon become eligible for insurance coverage under the new health care overhaul.

By Carla K. Johnson | Updated on April 18, 2013

CHICAGO — It has been six decades since doctors concluded that addiction was a disease that could be treated, but today the condition still dwells on the fringes of the medical community. Only 1 cent of every health care dollar in the United States goes toward addiction, and few alcoholics and drug addicts receive treatment. One huge barrier, according to many experts, has been a lack of health insurance.

But that barrier crumbles in less than a year. In a major break with the past, 3 million to 5 million people with drug and alcohol problems — from homeless drug addicts to working moms who drink too much — suddenly will become eligible for insurance coverage under the new health care overhaul.

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