Access to and services for mental health must expand in Tennessee
Mental health is an important part of overall health. It affects the way we think, feel and act – and how we react to stress, relate to others and make decisions.
We also know that mental health conditions can make it difficult to achieve good health outcomes. For example, a person with depression is less likely to schedule their annual period or continue to take important medications.
The good news is that there is less shame about people seeking mental health care today, and more people are taking care of themselves. We know that seeking this care contributes to overall health, but there is more to be done. Here’s how we responded.
The isolation of our community during and after the epidemic showed us how critical the need for mental health services was throughout Tennessee, especially- hall in rural areas where those facilities are scarce or non-existent.
Five ways we’ve worked to expand access to mental health
As a major state insurer, we understand the responsibility to support greater access to mental health care. Our first step was to review our Tennessee rate structure and coverage for behavioral health reimbursement.
We began meeting with behavioral health providers around the country in 2021 and 2022 to better understand their needs. Based on their feedback, we knew we needed to take action that would benefit healthcare providers while keeping costs down for our members.
- We increased the reimbursement rates. Beginning in 2023, we invested $30 million to increase reimbursement for behavioral health providers. Between 2022 and 2024, what we pay for medical appointments and office visits has increased by 46%-116%.
- Raising fees has helped us grow our network. We have worked to bring more providers to our network, and that effort is paying off. The number of mental health professionals receiving our coverage has increased by 9% between 2022-2023 and a further 20% between 2023-2024.
- Telehealth has increased access to many providers. Many BlueCross members have gained access to 5,000 additional behavioral health providers through the expansion of our mobile platform.
- Members using telehealth can choose a provider and build relationships. They can browse supplier profiles and once they find a supplier they like, they can continue to see one supplier at a time. In the survey, members shared that if telehealth was not an option, 51% would not have received care at all. Provider reimbursement for services provided via telehealth is the same as for an in-person care provider.
- We have launched new initiatives. We work with a network of providers in Northeast Tennessee to integrate health care practices into primary care practices. This project also aims to develop a practical pathway for behavioral health nurses within that model.
Mental health issues are on the rise and we must act
Although these efforts have helped us to see improvements in access to mental health care services in the four major cities of the state, rural areas remain a major challenge. So, we hope to continue to register new donors regularly.
We believe that increased access to mental health care in Tennessee is not only necessary but important. The statistics are clear – the problem of mental health is increasing, and the effects are felt in every community, from urban to rural areas.
BlueCross has taken significant steps to address these issues by increasing premium rates, expanding the network, and promoting telephone service.
However, the journey is far from over. By prioritizing mental health, we can build a healthier, more resilient community, fostering an environment where everyone has the support they need to thrive. It’s time to make mental health care the cornerstone of our health care system in Tennessee.
Scott Pierce is vice president and chief operating officer of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.
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