Results from the National Alliance on Mental Illness' (NAMI) second nationwide survey related to mental health care coverage reveal that Americans with mental health issues find it difficult to connect with providers within their health plan network.
Despite legislation in 2008 addressing insurance discrimination, many states still fall short of the goals established by the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). NAMI’s study of over 3,000 individuals documented an unusually high number of patients who were forced to rely on out-of-network providers and forced to pay higher out-of-pocket costs.
NAMI’s report, entitled “Out-of-Network, Out-of-Pocket, Out-of-Options: The Unfulfilled Promise of Mental Health Parity,” unveiled this disparity of care tier options, leading to a concise list of recommendations: health plans need to ensure accurate and up-to-date provider directories; provide accessible information on mental health benefits; and promote an integrated approach for mental health with primary care.
Additionally, NAMI recommends that plans expand their mental health networks and offer to cover out-of-network care in the case of “provider gaps.”
NAMI was privy to a White House task force on mental health and substance abuse in March along with other advocacy organizations -- culminating in recognition of the need for enforcement of mental health parity.
The alliance remains committed to addressing mental health care needs during the upcoming presidential administration transition.
