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U.S. gender wage gap grows for first time in a decade; Trump has embraced NC's Mark Robinson, calling him 'Martin Luther King on steroids'; Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN; Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's.

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Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Tenn. Mental-Health Care Availability Could Be at Risk

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Thursday, February 16, 2017   

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- While the fate of the Affordable Care Act hangs in limbo, one sector of the population is particularly vulnerable to changes in the health care system. Over the last eight years, access to mental health care for those who need it has increased through availability of coverage and safeguards to ensure access to that care.

Jeff Fladen with the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Tennessee said reducing accessibility for folks who need mental health services also greatly affects their ability to remain self-sufficient.

"They're getting insurance now through the exchanges and if a lot of people lose insurance because there's no subsidy, then they won't have insurance coverage for treatment,” Fladen said. "And that can make the difference between keeping the job and advancing and not."

Experts say it can take up to 10 years to establish a successful treatment plan for people in need of mental health care, and a disruption in treatment can instigate behavior that makes it almost impossible for some people to function in society.

Fladen said if the state and federal governments don't support regular mental health care for those who need it, it ultimately will cost more down the line - from law enforcement to social services.

"We have a lot of low income people who would depend on things like Medicaid through block grants and Medicaid expansion,” Fladen said. "And reduction in care will hit that group even more, which will cost all of us more - in hospitals and jails and homelessness - even above and beyond the impact on the individual and their family."

Despite the progress made in the availability of care, he said millions of people still live in areas with a shortage of mental health service providers - particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged communities.


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