Governor Kathy Hochul has made mental health a top priority for this year in Albany, New York. She is determined to ensure that New Yorkers receive the necessary support and assistance from their insurance companies.
According to Hochul, having insurance doesn’t necessarily mean that everything will be covered. Some insurance companies are doing the right thing, but there are others who are failing to provide adequate coverage.
Last month, the New York Attorney General’s office released a report revealing that a significant number of insurance companies had inaccurate information listed in their mental health provider directories.
You can find the report on mental health at the following link: [Mental Health Report]
According to Letitia James, New York’s Attorney General, the reasons for the incorrect numbers and lack of service from certain providers were varied. Some providers only offered virtual services, while others did not offer specialized services for children or the elderly. Additionally, some providers were unreachable, no longer accepting new patients, or simply did not exist.
James emphasized the importance of providing immediate assistance to those in need. To address this issue, her office has released a set of recommendations for insurance companies.
James emphasized the importance of keeping the list of providers up to date and offering additional incentives to encourage more providers to join their networks. He believes that individuals should not have to seek out-of-network services and incur out-of-pocket expenses.
According to the president of the New York Health Plan Association, health plans exert significant efforts to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of their directories.
Eric Linzer, the President & CEO, expressed his dedication to collaborating with the Attorney General, the Hochul Administration, and legislative leaders in finding policy solutions that will enhance access to mental health care services and ensure that patients receive the necessary care and support.
