Voluntary Benefits: Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders
Updated: Jun 13, 2022
The recent pandemic has significantly impacted health risks such as stress, anxiety, sleep deprivation, and depression. Current data around matters such as the impact of opioids, substance use, and co-occurring mental health disorders are astonishing:
A poll conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) found that about half of adults (47%) continue to report negative mental health impacts related to worry or stress from the pandemic.
LifeWorks and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation reports that nearly one-third of people in the U.S. who drink alcohol have increased their consumption since the pandemic. Almost 30 percent who use drugs reported an increase in that activity.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said deaths from overdoses rose 27 percent in the 12 months ending in August 2020 over the prior 12-month period.
As an unprecedented number of employees continue to adjust to working from home, balancing work and family responsibilities, which for parents may include schooling their children, the emotional, physical, and financial impact is taking its toll.
When seeking help, virtually all voluntary benefits plans exclude care for drug, alcohol, or mental illness, and most primary healthcare options are limited in terms of coverage.
As employers prepare for the ‘spike’ in healthcare costs in 2022 and beyond, our team at The Voluntary Benefits Shop has access to a first-of-its-kind hospital indemnity plan that covers mental health and substance abuse. This coverage is offered as an extension of benefits under specific Hospital Indemnity plans.
Please contact our team today to learn more about implementing this unique and much-needed voluntary benefit.