Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota said access to peer support specialists will be a covered benefit for fully insured commercial plan members starting in 2024.
The expanded coverage comes as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration released a new National Model Standards for Peer Support Certification, according to a June 20 BCBS Minnesota news release. All peer support specialists covered by Blue Cross will be credentialed according to the new national certification model standards.
Peer support specialists "are trained individuals with lived experiences who provide support, encouragement and connections to resources for others facing recovery and mental health challenges," according to the release.
The new benefit is subject to regulatory review and approval of the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the state Department of Health, according to the release. Self-insured commercial groups will have the option to add peer specialist support coverage to the health plan benefit design starting in 2024.