Cigna Doubles Down on Commitment to Virtual Behavioral Health Post-Pandemic

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 […]

CVS Prepares to Launch Behavioral Pilot in 34 New Locations

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 […]

Spring Health Launches ‘Most Detailed Value-Based Model in Outpatient Behavioral Health’

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, […]

Behavioral Hospital Volumes Recovered Much Quicker Than Other Sectors in 2020, Data Shows

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 […]

Anthem Behavioral Exec: We’ll Have ‘Very Few’ Fee-For-Service Heavy Providers by 2026

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 […]

Talkspace Debuts New Tool for Pandemic Stress

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 […]

CVS Focuses on Mental Health, Pilots New Social Worker Model

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 […]

Court Rules UnitedHealth Violated Parity Laws By Refusing ABA Coverage

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 […]

Pipeline: Promises, Spero Open New Facilities; ABA Expansions in Multiple States

Promises Behavioral Health opens new facility in Texas Promises Behavioral Health has opened its latest facility, an addiction and mental health treatment center in Texas. Located in College Station, Promises Brazos Valley spans over 50,000 square feet and provides addiction and mental health treatment services to adults and college students. College Station is home to […]