When the “United” States Block People From Getting Treatment

It is strange to live in a country called the United States and realize just how disjointed, divided, and bureaucratically fractured our healthcare system truly is. Nowhere is this more painfully obvious than in mental health and substance-use treatment. A person’s survival can depend on something as arbitrary as a state line.

The Challenge of State Lines

Massachusetts and New Hampshire have cities very close to one another. People commute across the border daily. They shop, work, visit family, seek medical care, and attend community events without ever thinking twice about it.

However, when a person tries to seek treatment across this border, it becomes a daunting task.

A person with NH Medicaid cannot get treatment in a MA facility, even if the bed is open and the crisis is urgent.

A person with MassHealth cannot enter a NH facility, even if it’s the safest or closest option. Even private insurance companies, which advertise themselves as large national networks, often behave like completely different businesses depending on which side of the border you stand.

The Reasons Behind the Barriers

And for what reason?

• Not medical capacity.

• Not clinical judgment.

• Not public safety.

• Not cost savings.

  
  

The only reason is this: states and insurers refuse to align their rules. It’s time for people in the field and in our communities to shout from the rooftops. This is wrong, and we can fix it through communication and a little bit of compassion.

These barriers are not natural. They are not inevitable. They were created by policymakers who never imagined that addiction treatment would become a life-or-death daily emergency for millions of Americans. They were created by bureaucracies that treat healthcare like a territorial game, where paperwork matters more than people.

The Reality of Overdoses and Crises

Please take a second and think about how outrageous this is.

We live in a region where overdoses don’t “respect” state borders. Mental health crises don’t “respect” state borders. Trauma, homelessness, and substance use don’t “respect” state borders.

But insurance rules do, and they do so rigidly, pointlessly, and often fatally.

If a bed is open, why should any state or insurer prevent someone from accessing it simply because they were born, lived, or worked on the other side of an invisible line? This is not patient-centered care.

It is not rational healthcare policy. It is bureaucratic stubbornness masquerading as governance.

A Simple Solution

The solution is not complicated. It does not require new science, new funding, new complex laws, or new technology. It requires reciprocity through mutual agreements between states and insurers to honor one another’s coverage for essential behavioral health services.

• We already do this for driver’s licenses.

• We already do it for marriage licenses.

• We already do it for college credits.

  
  

We do not do this for substance use or mental health treatment.

A person in crisis should not need to understand Medicaid coding, interstate credentialing, or licensing reciprocity. Treatment centers shouldn’t need to jump through out-of-state hoops that make it financially implausible to take care of a human being.

They should not have to wait for an insurance committee to decide whether a nearby facility in another state is “allowed” to help them. They should not be turned away from treatment because two state governments could not coordinate a system built on basic human compassion.

The Call to Action

This shouldn’t be a heavy lift. It shouldn’t be controversial. It shouldn’t even be a debate.

If states truly believe in addressing the overdose crisis and reducing incarceration, homelessness, and emergency room strain, then opening access to treatment across state lines is the lowest-hanging fruit they could possibly pick.

America does not suffer from a lack of treatment beds. It suffers from a lack of communication, coordination, and common sense.

We cannot call ourselves a united nation while forcing people to suffer or die because they sought help two miles in the “wrong” direction.

It’s time for state leaders to fix what is obviously broken. It’s time for Medicaid and private insurers to stop protecting their administrative turf and start protecting human life. It’s time for us to act like the united country we claim to be.

Until then, the border between New Hampshire and Massachusetts will remain more than a line on a map. It will remain a barrier to treatment, a barrier to recovery, and, far too often, a barrier to survival.

Nothing changes until we get loud about it. Representatives of the people will respond when we get loud enough.

You know what you can do, but the question is: will you do it?

The Importance of Community Support

In our journey toward recovery, community support plays a vital role. Connecting with others who understand our struggles can make a significant difference. We can share experiences, offer encouragement, and build a network of support that fosters healing.

Finding Resources

If you or someone you know is seeking help, it’s essential to explore available resources. Many organizations provide assistance, including counseling, support groups, and recovery programs.

Consider reaching out to local recovery centers or hotlines for guidance. They can help you navigate the complexities of treatment options and find the support you need.

Embracing Change Together

Change is possible when we come together as a community. By advocating for better policies and supporting one another, we can create a more compassionate and effective healthcare system.

Let’s work together to ensure that everyone has access to the treatment they deserve, regardless of where they live. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those seeking recovery.

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Remember, you are not alone in this journey. There are people and resources ready to help you every step of the way. Let’s take action and create a future where everyone can access the care they need.