Mental health benefits: Overcoming hurdles to provide employees with better access to care
To provide effective and timely access to in-network behavioral health providers, the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions has provided a tool that employers can use to ask the right questions when selecting vendors.
The gradual shift to acknowledging mental and behavioral health as a significant and important measure of health has created a new avenue for employee benefits and furthered care for the working world. Surveyed employers nearly all agreed that in-network access to behavioral health providers is important. That being said, the supply does not match the demand. Three in 10 respondents were unsatisfied with the efforts and quality of their vendors.
The Behavioral Health Vendor Engagement Template by National Alliance Health is a guide for mental health vendor management discussions and performance improvement efforts, looking to alleviate the struggles of finding mental health aid.
Four out of every five behavioral health providers listed in a directory may not be available to see new patients. Some providers that agree to see new patients offer outlandish wait times to see care. Patients experiencing frustrating searches (4-10+ providers to get a call returned) often give up on seeking treatment. By tracking the integration process, health care systems can assess the impact of integrated care models on patient well-being.
Integrated care has the potential to be cost-effective by reducing unnecessary referrals, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations. Virtual appointments are an efficiency-boost, as they greatly reduce costly no-shows and time away from work. Matching the unique needs of patients to specified providers improves engagement and outcomes.
“We encourage our members and all large employers to use this tool to ensure that the right questions are being asked when selecting and evaluating vendors, all with a goal of helping to provide better care for employees and their dependents.” said Mark Wilson, vice president of health and employment policy and chief economist for the HR Policy Association.
Related: What Is preventing employees from accessing their mental health benefits?
Employers are offering programs to improve workforce mental health, however engagement in programs has been infrequent. Supervisors play a central role in fostering a mentally healthy work environment and supporting employees who are dealing with mental health issues.
“If we are to realize industry improvements in access and quality of mental health services, more employers need to ask the right questions and have comparable service provider performance standards,” said National Alliance President and CEO Michael Thompson.
“This template can help to accelerate efforts to standardize higher expectations within the behavioral health marketplace.”