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Employers Dissatisfied With Networks’ Access to Behavioral Health Services
Just 3 in 10 employers are satisfied with their network access for behavioral healthcare services, according to findings from a study released last week by the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions and HR Policy Association.
The study, which was funded by the Path Forward for Mental Health and Substance Use, was based on a survey of 221 private and public employers that provide health coverage to more than 10 million employees and their dependents. The survey was conducted online in February and March.
“Many of the services provided, particularly in managing network access, continue to fall short of employer expectations, National Alliance President and CEO Michael Thompson said in a news release. “While there are bright spots, as an industry we still have a long way to go to meet the needs of employees and their families.”
Employers participating in the survey weighed in on several areas related to their service providers’ performance. Findings from the study included the following:
- While 99% of respondents agreed that effective and timely access to in-network behavioral health providers is important, 31% expressed dissatisfaction with efforts to systematically assess and address gaps in network access.
- Telehealth-based behavioral healthcare was important to 95% of respondents; 65% were satisfied with their availability.
- Just 34% of employers agreed that their behavioral healthcare directories accurately reflected providers available to plan participants.
- Just one-third of respondents said they were satisfied with engagement and reporting of behavioral health outcomes.
- Regarding the integration of behavioral health into primary care, 84% agreed it was important for plans to support, promote, and incentivize such integration, but just 28% were satisfied with progress made on this front.
- A little more than a quarter (27%) of employers were satisfied with their providers’ efforts to evaluate and tailor behavioral health services to diverse communities.
“Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of employees and their families is a top priority for major employers,” Mark Wilson, vice president of health and employment policy and chief economist for the HR Policy Association, said in the release. “We need to work collaboratively with all stakeholders, especially our health plan and vendor partners, if we are going to be able to provide timely access to affordable, high-quality behavioral health providers.”
In 2018, the National Alliance released a report detailing disparities for access to behavioral healthcare when compared to physical health services and support. Thompson said that while some progress has been made by health plans and behavioral healthcare organizations in the ensuing years, many of the issues cited in the 2018 report “have persisted, and we must double down on industry commitment and accountability to address these issues moving forward.”
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