Dear Mental Health Care Provider:
Preliminary survey results reveal systematic denials of mental health care claims deeming treatment not “medically necessary”. Please complete this 12 question survey (and forward to colleagues) so that together, we can help ensure our patients’ and clients’ access to mental health care. Parity For Mental Health Care (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ParityforMentalHealthCare).
Instead of sharing anecdotal evidence of the increasing trend of insurance companies denying mental health care claims, we must arm ourselves with the same data to which insurance companies are privy. Please take a few moments to complete the survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ParityforMentalHealthCare and encourage as many mental health providers as possible to do the same. It is with this information that we can shape the future landscape of mental health care coverage.
The Parity Laws require that behavioral health coverage be no more restrictive than medical or surgical coverage in quantitative treatment limitations (limitations on frequency of treatment, number of visits, etc.) or in non-quantitative treatment limitations: including utilization review and “fail first” requirements. Insurance companies are deeming long term intensive psychotherapy NOT medically necessary for many patients, making it crucial that we protect our patients as well as the ability for all those who suffer from mental illness’ ability to afford treatment.
Thank you for joining in the effort to protect patient access to mental health care.
Rachel Blakeman, JD, LCSW-R
