On average, people with behavioral health conditions cost payers about $875 more per member per month than those without behavioral health conditions. Yet, studies show that less than half of the patients who need behavioral health treatment actually receive it. The health care system’s fee-for-service nature is one reason for that, as is the massive […]
The health insurance giant Cigna (NYSE:CI) is once again doubling down on its commitment to virtual behavioral health care post-pandemic. Like most insurers, Cigna watched its virtual behavioral health claims spike amid the COVID-19 emergency. And Stuart Lustig, Cigna’s senior medical director for behavioral health, told Behavioral Health Business there’s no going back now. “It […]
Pharmacy giant CVS (NYSE: CVS) is releasing more details about the behavioral pilot program it’s rolling out at select HealthHUB locations. Behavioral Health Business first highlighted the pilot in mid-March, shortly after CVS released its annual Health Trends Report and highlighted the ongoing mental health crisis as a factor likely to define health care in […]
As government enforcement action in behavioral health heats up, providers who work with commercial insurers may think they’re in the clear. But that’s not the case. Private payers can pose just as big of a threat and financial burden for behavioral health providers. And in fact, that risk is growing, according to lawyers who work […]
Health care’s shift from fee-for-service reimbursement to value-based care has been slow. But finally, the coronavirus is accelerating the industry’s movement in that direction, which bodes well for behavioral health providers, who are known for the long-term outcomes they deliver. Even health insurance giants like Anthem (NYSE: ANTM) are jumping on board: Earlier this month, […]
Inpatient admissions for behavioral health recovered from the coronavirus at a much quicker rate than for other medical services, according to a Milliman analysis of behavioral health claims from 12.5 million people. Milliman is an international actuarial and consulting firm based in Seattle, Washington. The results of the report — shared with Behavioral Health Business […]
Despite the long-term cost savings and improved outcomes associated with behavioral health care, providers in the space are typically rewarded with meager fee-for-service reimbursement rates. As such, many behavioral health organizations struggle with slim margins, making it hard for them to offer all the services that are beneficial for patients. But in the next few […]
Virtual behavioral health provider Talkspace has launched a free, 10-day curriculum to help people cope with increased feelings of anxiety, depression and stress resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Talkspace’s Healing Curriculum was created by licensed therapists and is administered online. The curriculum’s daily mental health lessons can help users do everything from identify emotional triggers […]
Leaders at CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) are keeping their eyes on behavioral in 2021 and beyond. In its recently released annual Health Trends Report, the health care giant identified the ongoing mental health crisis as a factor likely to define the health care industry overall in 2021. The prediction comes as the coronavirus has worsened […]
A unit of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) violated the federal benefits law and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act when it refused to cover certain autism therapy services, a federal judge in Oakland, California has ruled. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers made the call earlier this month. The ruling comes after an […]