The Big Picture: The Milliman report, commissioned by the advocacy group Inseparable, reveals that two-thirds of Americans with a diagnosed mental health condition and insurance coverage could not access treatment in 2021. This issue remains critical as mental health is a top concern for most Americans, according to NPR.
By the Numbers: Despite having coverage, only about 30% of commercially insured Americans and 44% of those on Medicaid with mental health diagnoses received care. Those on Medicare fared worse, with only 15% receiving treatment.
Zoom Out: The U.S. faces a stark mental health provider shortage, with over half the population living in designated shortage areas, and only a third of the necessary psychiatrists available.
Between the Lines: Barriers such as poor reimbursement rates for mental health care, substandard enforcement of mental health coverage laws, and outdated provider directories exacerbate the gap in care.
What We’re Hearing: Experts stress that without significant policy changes and better enforcement of existing laws, the treatment gap will persist. The need for up-to-date provider directories and coverage for out-of-network care is also highlighted.
The Backstory: A similar 2019 Milliman report had already identified the reimbursement disparities between mental and physical health care, indicating a longstanding issue of underfunded mental health services.
What’s Next: Policy recommendations include expanding telehealth services, increasing the use of peer support specialists, and ensuring competitive reimbursement rates for mental health professionals to address workforce shortages and improve access.
Why It Matters: Enhancing mental health care access and equity is crucial not only for individual well-being but also for the broader social fabric, as untreated mental health issues impact families, communities, and economic productivity.
The Bottom Line: Closing the mental health treatment gap is imperative, requiring a concerted effort from policymakers, insurers, and healthcare providers to ensure equitable mental health care access.
The Life Anew Angle: Life Anew Behavioral Health’s mission to provide quality, holistic mental health services aligns closely with the challenges highlighted in the Milliman report. The organization’s focus on empowering BIPOC and underrepresented communities through culturally competent care and comprehensive treatment plans addresses the systemic disparities revealed by the report. By advocating for and implementing solutions such as expanding service access through telehealth and enhancing provider networks, Life Anew is poised to play a crucial role in transforming mental health care accessibility and effectiveness, ensuring that clients lead productive and fulfilling lives within their communities. This approach not only tackles the immediate gaps but also contributes to the long-term goal of mental health equity and societal well-being.
