BCBSM said Sept. 14 it would reduce rates billed for psychotherapy sessions “to bring those costs more in line with industry norms.” The payer also recently “corrected overpayment errors in our systems that had been paying mental health professionals more than what was outlined in their contracts” for more than two years.
Providers affected by the errors, which led to some being overpaid by roughly 24 percent, will be asked to repay a combined $4 million in overpayments.
Affected therapists expressed concerns the reimbursement cuts may violate federal and state parity laws, the report notes. The laws require payers to treat mental healthcare and physical care equally.
For the full report, click here.
More articles on payer issues:
Humana to offer older employees early retirement
Critics argue Anthem’s new outpatient imaging policy is at odds with promoting quality
Survey: Most patients’ insurance premium price ceiling is $100 per month
At the Becker's 5th Annual Fall Payer Issues Roundtable, taking place November 2–3 in Chicago, payer executives and healthcare leaders will come together to discuss value-based care, regulatory changes, cost management strategies and innovations shaping the future of payer-provider collaboration. Apply for complimentary registration now.
