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The Inflection Point with Behavioral Health Parity

There is desperate need for a reexamination and revamp of national guidance on behavioral health parity in the United States. Existing loopholes and restrictions in federal parity law leave millions of Americans uncovered and excluded from the much-needed behavioral health coverage they deserve.

The United States’ insufficient coverage for behavioral healthcare remains an issue, with loopholes and restrictions in federal parity efforts leaving many Americans uncovered. Despite having coverage, over a third with moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety and depression did not receive care in 2019. Behavioral health and SUD exclusions still exist in current laws, allowing some forms of insurance to limit mental health coverage. National guidance must eliminate these exclusions and enforce reimbursement parity to improve the behavioral health paradigm. Additionally, behavioral health leadership organizations should streamline standards and improve access to data to improve outcomes and accountability at a time when they are essential.

Read the full article by Liane Melendez, Behavioral Health Revenue Specialist, in Healthcare Business Today, and learn more about the steps needed to drive meaningful and sustained reimbursement changes.

Access the full article here. (4 minute read)