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AHIP Survey Highlights Insurers’ Actions to Address Growing Demand for Mental Healthcare
The number of behavioral health providers who are in-network with commercial health insurance plans has grown by an average of 48% in 3 years, according to a new study published Thursday by America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP).
Formed in 2013, AHIP is a political advocacy and trade association of health insurance companies that offer coverage through employer-provided, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid managed care, and individual market plans. From May through June, AHIP conducted a survey of its members in the commercial market with enrollments in group (self-insured and fully insured) and individual (on and off exchange) markets. Responses were provided by plans representing 95 million commercial enrollees.
The survey found the following statistics:
- 89% of health plans are actively recruiting mental healthcare providers, with 83% reporting that they are recruiting practitioners who reflect the diversity of the patients they serve
- 78% of respondents said they have increased payments to providers to recruit more high-quality professionals to their networks
- The number of providers eligible to prescribe medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorder (SUD) has grown 114% in 3 years
- 72% of survey participants said they are training and supporting primary care providers to care for patients with mild-to-moderate behavioral health conditions
- 83% of plans reported that they assist enrollees with finding available mental and behavioral health appointments
- 78% use specialized case managers for follow-up after emergency room and inpatient care, as well as for enrollees starting new medications
>> VIEW the AHIP July 2022 Mental Health Survey
In a news release announcing the survey results, Kate Berry, senior vice president of clinical affairs and strategic partnership for AHIP, said increasing access to behavioral healthcare services has been a focal point for its member health insurers predating the onset of COVID-19.
“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of Americans struggled with mental health and substance use challenges,” Berry said. “The mismatch between the supply of mental health and substance use disorder providers and the demand for care is a longstanding problem.
“While a lot of work has been done, health insurance providers recognize the need to address systemic challenges. This can only be accomplished by all health care stakeholders working collaboratively to ensure Americans have affordable access to the high-quality mental health support they deserve.”
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