A law put in place last year to level the playing field between medical and mental health insurance coverage is having an unintended consequence.
In a new policy move, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida will soon require mental health providers to get prior authorization from the insurer before treating patients. That is, if patients want the services covered. The company says the new policy, which will take effect in October, will help prevent increased costs resulting from the new requirement.
Advocates, however, say the new policy will only increase the stigma attached to mental illness and burden mental health providers. Furthermore, they fear that psychiatrists my choose not to accept the insurer as a result of the rule, limiting patients’ options.
The Mental Health Parity Act of 2008 requires health insurance plans which include mental health services to utilize the same limits and payment requirements for mental health treatment as they do for traditional medical needs. Previously, individuals were often charged higher co-pays for mental health or had limits imposed on the number of covered visits in a year for such services inconsistent with the rules for medical coverage, reports the Naples (Fla.) Daily News. To read more click here.
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This reminds me of the insurance companies charging higher deductibles for home damage caused by “named storms”. They don’t want to cover things that are likely to happen. This is why we need universal health care with a government option so that people will always have something else to go to. Human services should not be under the control of organizations whose purpose is to make money.
I agree, twinkie. when you really need to use the insurance that you pay for it just doesn’t work, Anything long term and you get the boot or crappy coverage at best. The laws now protect them, not us. Like they need the help. and we pay our premiums so that they can use that money for lobbyists to have the cake and eat it too. Your chice of doctors is limited too when you pay for it. Has to be in network, certain place. Not the best places, just the cheapest.