The number of in-network mental health providers among commercial health plans has increased by 48 percent over the last three years, a survey of health insurance providers published by America's Health Insurance Plans found.
The survey was conducted from May to June, and responders represented group and individual insurance markets who in total reporesent 95 million subscribers.
The survey, published Aug. 4, found other results that show the rising priority of mental health care among insurance providers:
- 100% of companies surveyed offer telehealth mental healthcare services
- 89% of providers are recruiting mental healthcare providers, with 83% hiring diverse providers to better serve their subscribers
- 78% increased payment to mental health providers
- 83% plan to help subscribers find mental healthcare
- 72% are training their primary care providers to better treat mild to moderate mental health conditions
"While a lot of work has been done, health insurance providers recognize the need to address systemic challenges," Kate Berry, senior vice president of the company's clinical affairs and strategic partnerships," said in an Aug. 4 release from America's Health Insurance Plans. "This can only be accomplished by all healthcare stakeholders working collaboratively to ensure Americans have affordable access to the high-quality mental health support they deserve."