November 16, 2022 3:00 a.m.
On Tuesday, Senator Ron Wyden was joined by Minnesota Senator Tina Smith to introduce legislation they say will improve mental health coverage.
A release said the bill would crack down on inaccurate health care provider listings or “ghost networks”, and create stronger enforcement standards to protect those seeking mental health care.
Wyden said, “Too often, Americans who need affordable mental health care hit a dead end when they try to find a provider that’s covered by their insurance”. Wyden said, “Ghost networks mean that lists of mental health providers in insurance company directories are almost useless”. Wyden said the legislation will create real accountability and consequences for insurance companies that refuse to do the necessary work of keeping provider directories up to date.
Smith said mental health needs to be treated with the same urgency as physical health, and “…that means making sure everyone has access to the care they need”.
A release said specifically the Behavioral Health Network and Directory Improvement Act would:
*Strengthen and enforce directory accuracy standards
*Ensure providers submit timely information
*Hold heath plans accountable to a higher network of accuracy standards
*Protect the rights of consumers
*Improve mental health provider network participation
A full release is linked: