New bill hopes to provide insurance coverage for substance abuse treatment

Delaware lawmakers are trying to give those struggling with addiction the help they need.

Tuesday, House lawmakers unanimously approved legislation to give addicts insurance for their treatments. Supporters of the bill say denial of insurance coverage for substance abuse treatment is a big problem, citing a shortage of treatment facilities and failed treatment efforts.

Many in the medical community believe the legislation is critical as addicts fight for coverage of the treatments they need.

"It is important to understand that this is just like any other medical condition. This is a medical problem we are facing and any medical problem that has a chronic solution we need to come up with, it is not just something acute. It is not that easy for someone who is addicted to something get off it very easily," explains Dr. Uday Jani.

This legislation would also require Medicaid and private insurers to notify people of the possibility of legal help in challenging claim denials