Proposed legislation that could impose additional penalties on insurers failing to meet mental health parity requirements has sparked backlash from payers. If enacted, the new legislation – the Mental Health Matters Act – would give the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) the authority to enforce provisions from the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Act (MHPAEA) […]
The calendar is now a primary enemy to behavioral health reform at the federal level. Time is running out for Congress and advocates to accomplish legislative reforms before the end of the year, according to a panel of policy and advocacy experts at Behavioral Health and Well-Being Congress. November also brings another round of federal elections […]
Since taking office January 20, President Biden has announced several behavioral health initiatives and orders, some that have been celebrated for increasing behavioral health access and others that have faced criticism for doing the opposite. Still, most behavioral health stakeholders seem optimistic that the new administration will be able to deliver on many of its […]
As the U.S. heads into one of the most divisive elections in its history, a number important issues are on the table. Chiefly among them is health care, with the outcome of the election likely to have serious implications for the behavioral health industry in particular. Currently, Joe Biden is favored to come out on […]
Telehealth is often lauded as the answer to a common problem plaguing many sectors within the health care industry: a shortage of qualified workers. That’s especially true in behavioral health care, where treatment doesn’t always require a physical examination. In fact, behavioral health care often dominates the telemedicine field. Take Michigan, for example: NPR reported […]
While the opioid epidemic has captured national attention — and federal dollars — in recent years, opioids aren’t the only culprit behind the rising number of overdose deaths in America. In fact, death by other illicit substances such as cocaine and methamphetamine are also on the rise, in some states accounting for even more fatalities […]
Telehealth services are becoming increasingly accessible for behavioral health providers and the patients they serve. However, regulatory barriers continue to prevent the technology from becoming more widespread. All 50 states and the District of Columbia now provide some degree of coverage for telehealth services for their Medicaid members, according to the latest Telemental Health Laws […]
At times, the relationship between payers and behavioral health providers can feel adversarial. However, to ensure the best care for patients, it should be collaborative. Payers and providers tackled how to make that vision a reality, among other issues, earlier this month in Washington D.C. at the Payer’s Behavioral Health Management and Policy Summit, hosted […]
For years, federal rules have prevented Medicaid from paying for patients to stay in inpatient psychiatric treatment facilities with more than 16 beds, which are known as institutions for mental diseases (IMDs). The rule is known as the IMD exclusion. But in recent years, that’s started to change. Now, states can work around the IMD […]
With minimum wage on the rise and unemployment rates at the lowest they’ve been in 50 years, it’s no surprise that a number of industries — from home care to education — are facing labor shortages. Behavioral health care is no exception. However, low reimbursement from payers for behavioral health services is only exacerbating the […]
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