Health insurers are adding new mental health services and finding ways to improve member mental health. Here are eight mental healthcare-related updates Becker's has reported since Sept. 8.
Former UnitedHealthcare CEO Ken Burdick named CEO of LifeStance Health
Ken Burdick, former UnitedHealthcare CEO, will take the helm of Scottsdale, Ariz.-based mental healthcare provider LifeStance Health, Becker's reported Sept. 8.
Oregon launches nation's 1st Medicaid mobile crisis intervention program
Oregon is the first state to add mobile crisis-intervention services to its Medicaid program, CMS said Sept. 12. The services connect people experiencing mental health or substance abuse crises to behavioral health specialists.
Optum, Aetna, Cigna back youth behavioral health provider Hopscotch
Hopscotch, a digital youth mental health provider, raised $8 million in seed funding with backing from Optum, Aetna and Cigna, the Daily News reported Sept. 13.
Molina New Mexico, Pyx Health partner to provide isolation support services to Medicare members
Molina Healthcare of New Mexico is partnering with Pyx Health to provide isolation support for Medicare members, especially in rural communities, Becker's reported Spet. 13. The Pyx Health program uses a digital screening tool to assess members' mental health, and support teams use the results to address behavioral health needs.
Former Evernorth CEO named board chair at behavioral health provider Forge Health
Tim Wentworth, former CEO of Cigna's health services arm Evernorth, was named board chair of value-based behavioral health provider Forge Health on Sept. 14.
Cigna joins other payers in covering BrainsWay's neurostimulation device for treating OCD
Cigna joined Centene, Highmark, Tricare, Health Care Service Corp., Palmetto GBA Medicare and BCBS companies in covering a noninvasive neurostimulation device, BrainWay said Sept. 14. The product is available to patients age 18 or older with obsessive compulsive disorder who have not had success with medication or psychotherapy treatment.
Evernorth adds new digital health offerings for mental health, substance use disorders
Cigna's health services arm added new apps designed to help patients address insomnia, anxiety, alcohol and opioid use disorders, and inflammatory conditions, the company said Sept. 15.
CVS Health makes progress reducing suicide attempts among Aetna members
Suicide attempt rates among adult Aetna members have decreased compared to 2019 baselines, but rates among teenagers continue to rise, the company said Sept. 22. Sree Chaguturu, MD, executive vice president and chief medical officer for CVS Health, said the company is doubling down on efforts to prevent suicide attempts among teens.