The newly launched Mental Health Parity Index reveals significant disparities in mental health coverage across the nation’s four largest insurance companies, with limited access to in-network providers and long wait times for patients. Created by The Kennedy Forum and other organizations, the Index highlights that 70% of counties experience coverage gaps compared to physical healthcare. Mental health providers are reimbursed between 16% and 59% less than their physical health counterparts, discouraging participation in insurance networks. As demand for mental health services rises by over 62% since 2018, the findings underscore a systemic issue that makes access to care increasingly challenging for patients.
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Link to original article source: https://www.techtarget.com/healthcarepayers/news/366641686/Mental-health-parity-remains-elusive-in-43-states
