Evernorth Research Institute, part of Evernorth, the Cigna Group’s health services division, examined claims data from more than 6 million people between Jan. 1, 2021, and Dec. 31, 2022. The study found that behavioral health claims increased 4 percent during that period.
The study also found barriers to accessing behavioral healthcare, the Advisory Board reported. Here are five reasons behavioral health patients are not getting the care they need, according to the study:
1. Majority of individuals are not seeking treatment.
It takes an average of 11 years of experiencing symptoms before an individual seeks treatment. Over half — 56 percent — of adults with a behavioral health condition receive no treatment, according to data from Mental Health America.
2. Treatment is significantly delayed even for those who do seek care.
Delays in receiving care for mood disorders can range from six to eight years, and delays for anxiety disorders can range from nine to 23 years.
3. Treating a behavioral health condition is expensive.
Twenty-two percent of patients with a behavioral health condition comprise 41 percent of all healthcare spending.
4. Individuals with behavioral health conditions are more likely to have other medical concerns.
Eighty-seven percent of patients with a behavioral health condition have one or more medical conditions, such as circulatory, endocrine or musculoskeletal disorders. If the behavioral health condition goes untreated, the others may worsen. As a result, medical bills increase by two to three times the amount for individuals with a medical and behavioral health condition, in comparison to an individual without a behavioral health condition.
5. There is a shortage of behavioral health professionals.
Over 150 million people live in areas experiencing a shortage in psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers.
