NY AG: Insurance companies need to update mental health provider directories
Addressing the critical issue of mental health in New York, Governor Kathy Hochul has prioritized efforts to ensure that individuals receive essential mental health support through their insurance coverage. Hochul has expressed concern about the disparities in mental health coverage, emphasizing the need for insurance companies to fulfill their obligations adequately.
Hochul remarked, “One would say, I have insurance. Isn’t that supposed to cover everything? Guess what. They have not been doing this.” The governor acknowledged that while some insurance companies are aligning with the necessary standards, others are falling short of meeting their responsibilities.
A recent report from the New York Attorney General’s office underscored the prevalence of inaccurate information in mental health provider directories maintained by a majority of insurance companies. Hochul, along with Attorney General Letitia James, expressed dismay over the discrepancies, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this issue to enhance mental health care accessibility for New Yorkers.
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Attorney General James outlined various issues identified in the report, including incorrect contact information, limited service provision, virtual-only services, restrictions on pediatric and geriatric care, unavailability for new patients, and even instances where listed providers did not exist.
“To fix this problem,” said Attorney General James, “we have released recommendations to insurance companies.” These recommendations focus on ensuring the accuracy and currency of provider directories, urging insurance companies to offer incentives to healthcare providers to join their networks. The overarching goal is to eliminate the need for individuals to resort to out-of-network services and incur additional expenses for essential mental health care.
The importance of immediate assistance for those seeking mental health support was emphasized, with Attorney General James asserting that individuals should not face barriers such as outdated directories or inadequate network coverage. The recommendations are intended to serve as a guide for insurance companies to align their practices with the goal of increasing accessibility to mental health care services.
In response to these developments, Eric Linzer, President & CEO of the New York Health Plan Association, expressed the industry’s commitment to collaborating with the Attorney General, Governor Hochul’s administration, and legislative leaders. Linzer highlighted the industry’s ongoing efforts to ensure the accuracy of directories, reflecting the commitment to facilitating access to mental health care services for patients.
While acknowledging the efforts made by health plans, the industry’s willingness to engage in policy solutions indicates a collective commitment to addressing the challenges outlined in the Attorney General’s report. Governor Hochul’s push for greater accountability from insurance companies aligns with broader initiatives to enhance mental health care infrastructure and support in the state of New York.
