Mandy Hedstrom, MPH’s Post

Have you ever tried to find any type of healthcare provider or specialist through your health plan's directory only to discover the provider was (1) unreachable, (2) not in-network, or (3) not accepting new patients? If so, you are not alone, as the Office of NYS Attorney General (OAG) recently released a report which showed that 86% of the listed, in-network mental health providers were “ghost” providers. More than one in five Americans live with a mental illness and the OAG’s report paints a grim picture for those seeking or in need of access to mental healthcare treatment. Learn more in my latest piece with Isabelle Bibet-Kalinyak and Jonathan Walzman on how illegal "ghost" networks have exacerbated the mental health crisis.

A new landmark report from NAMI reveals a stark reality: access to in-network mental health care is significantly more challenging than for other medical services. Some key findings: 🟡 Out-of-Network Rates: Mental health and substance use treatments are accessed out-of-network 3.5 times more often than medical/surgical treatments. 🟡 Disproportionate Costs: Individuals seeking psychiatric help face out-of-network rates as high as 18.2% compared to just 2.2% for primary care. 🟡 Reimbursement Discrepancies: Mental health providers are reimbursed 22% less than their medical/surgical counterparts for in-network services. Why is this happening? Read the full report from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://lnkd.in/gef7XyTa

Recently proposed legislative updates may improve the enforceability of behavioral health parity rules, according to ECGMC’s Katy Shropshire and Kate Middleton. These updates could have significant implications for payers, providers, and patients alike. As we recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month, it's important to continue the conversation around mental health parity and behavioral health parity. Stay tuned for more updates on this important issue. #mentalhealthparity #behavioralhealthparity #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

"Individuals struggling with mental health conditions often rely on health plan provider directories to access affordable, quality health care services, and ghost networks can force patients to choose between paying out-of-pocket, which is not possible for many, or forgoing treatment altogether." Read the full story now: https://lnkd.in/ex2vKP2y #MentalHealthAccess #GhostNetworks #HealthcareReform #NYHealthcare #MentalHealthAwareness *This is intended to provide general information, not legal advice. Please contact the authors if you need specific legal advice.

This information shows important trends in mental health care, focusing on the rising need for services and the differences in how much providers are paid. Kudos to Washington State for providing such valuable insights! Check this out. #mentalhealth #healthcaretrends #datadriven

Rising Mental Health Awareness Among Seniors Recent data from a FAIR Health, Inc. analysis reveals a significant 40% increase in mental health diagnoses across the nation from 2019 to 2023, with seniors experiencing the largest surge. As of 2023, 14% of individuals aged 65 and over have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, up from 9% in 2019. This uptick, while reflective of the stress and anxiety brought on by recent global events, also suggests a promising decline in stigma surrounding mental health issues and an increase in accessibility to care, particularly through telehealth services. The data, drawn from approximately 46 billion commercial insurance claims, including Medicare Advantage, shows that the trend spans all age groups. However, it's particularly pronounced among seniors and young adults aged 23-40. Generalized anxiety disorder was noted as the most prevalent diagnosis in 2023, underlining the need for continued focus and resources dedicated to mental health, especially as it becomes a more recognized threat to public health. #MentalHealthAwareness #SeniorCare #HealthcareInnovation #Telehealth #anxiety #mentalhealth #senior #brainhealth #psychotherapy https://lnkd.in/gy8KPEyR

🧠⌛️ Health Care Equality - what about for #mentalhealthcare?   Unmet mental illness gap shines the following: 🔸Affordability is a never-ending struggle for all 🔸Accessibility is hindered by all kinds of barriers 🔸In-network pushes people out to external sources   This report from NAMI brings attention to the need for #mentalhealthparity.   #mentalhealth #healthcare #medicine

🌟 Immediate Therapy Sessions Available for Cigna, Aetna, and Tri-West Members! Hello Wonderful GHCS Community, We're thrilled to share some fantastic news with our clients who are members of Cigna, Aetna, and Tri-West insurance plans! 🎉 At Greater Houston Counseling Services, we have same-week availability for therapy sessions specifically for you. We understand how important it is to have timely access to mental health support. That's why we've worked hard to ensure that you can connect with one of our compassionate and skilled therapists without the long wait. Here’s what you can expect: -Quick Access: No more waiting weeks for an appointment. We’ve got openings within the same week. -Personalized Care: Our therapists are dedicated to providing tailored support that meets your unique needs. -A Range of Services: Whether it's individual, couples, or family therapy, we have a variety of options to support your mental health journey. Taking that step towards therapy can be a big decision, but it's one of the best investments you can make for your well-being. And with your Cigna, Aetna, or Tri-West coverage, it's easier than ever to get started. Don’t let the wait keep you from the care you need. Reach out to us today to schedule your session and embark on your path to wellness. 📞Visit the GHCS website and book your session today! We're here to support you every step of the way. Let’s make the most of your mental health journey together! #GHCS #MentalHealthMatters #Cigna #Aetna #TriWest #TherapySessions #BookNow #MentalWellness

Not breaking news but a great mental healthcare trends resource from the state of Washington. Love when I can play around with data! Their highlights/key deltas are... 📈 From 2017-2022, the percentage of insurance claims involving a mental health diagnosis increased from 11.83% to 17.43% 💸 The cost of mental health services has increased 69% since 2017, driven primarily by the use of services. During the same time, the average amount paid to providers per service has only increased by 4% 🏙️ In 2022, 18% of enrollees in an urban area had a mental health diagnosis compared to 13.55% in rural areas https://lnkd.in/gA4RtnMV

🤔 problem: heightened demand for treatment. too many patients, not enough therapists. step 1: ban treatment gaps and waitlists for all emotional and behavioral health step 2: ????? step 3: magical increase in providers? “The COVID-19 pandemic has produced a huge increase in the demand for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. A new law – SB 221 – coming into effect July 1, 2022 aims to strengthen access to mental health services. Your clients may be interested in knowing the details. Under existing law, California health plans must ensure their network of providers, including doctors, can provide enrollees with an appointment within a specific number of days or hours. Under the new law effective July 1, 2022, this requirement now extends to treatment for mental health and substance use disorders. You can find more background to the new law in a recent CaliforniaHealthline article. The California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) has also produced a Timely Access to Care fact sheet.” #nonsolution #lawsarefunny #thanksimcured #accesstocare #mentalhealth #behavioralhealth #soundedgoodonpaper