AACAP is committed to the overall reform of our nation's health care system. Mental health recovery is integral to overall health and should be included in any comprehensive health care reform package. AACAP was committed to these principles during the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and continues to impact implementation through regulations.

State Health Insurance Exchanges Toolkit
By January 1, 2014, the ACA requires states to have functional state health insurance exchanges through which individuals and small businesses can compare and purchase health insurance plans. Use the resources below to learn more about the exchanges and how child and adolescent psychiatrists can get involved in their state.

• Frequently Asked Questions
• State Chart
• Resource List
• State Insurance Department Leaders

Affordable Care Act Resources for Members

• How the Healthcare Reform Law Impacts Your Practice and Training Programs
• How the Healthcare Reform Law Impacts Your Patients
• Implementation Timeline for the Healthcare Reform Law
• The AACAP Health Care Reform Principles

AACAP Comments on Proposed Regulations for the Affordable Care Act

• AACAP Comments on Essential Health Benefits
• AACAP Comments on Establishment of Exchanges and Qualified Health Plans
• AACAP Comments on Medicare Shared Savings Program: Accountable Care Organizations; Proposed Rule CMS-1345-P. June 5, 2011
• AACAP Comments on the Interim Final Rules for Group Health Plans and Health Insurance Issuers Relating to Coverage of Preventive Services under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. September 17, 2010
• AACAP Comments on Proposed Rule for Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule and other Revisions to Part B for CY2011 August 24, 2010

Health Information Technology
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provided $20 billion in incentives and grants to health care providers and hospitals to establish interoperable electronic health record systems throughout the nation. Some mental health professionals such as psychiatric hospitals, substance use and mental health treatment facilities were excluded in the initial legislation. The Behavioral Health Information Technology Act (S.539) would amend the definition of health care provider to include a wider range of mental health professionals including psychiatric hospitals, substance use and mental health treatment facilities.

• AACAP Policy Summary on Health Information Technology