BUFFALO, N.Y. — The mental health crisis is on the rise with more difficulty in reaching healthcare providers and insurance companies.
On Thursday, December 7, New York Attorney General Letitia James released a report on the failure of offering mental health care by health insurance companies.
In a survey of 400 mental health providers that were listed on health plans' network, 86% were found to be unreachable or not accepting new patients, according to the release.
“No one who reaches out to mental health professionals listed by their insurance company should be told that the providers are unreachable, not accepting their insurance, or not accepting new patients,” Attorney General James said.
Some recommendations that the Office of the Attorney General has given, include the Office of Mental Health and the Department of Financial Services should actively and frequently monitor health insurance networks.
The OAG also recommends creating health plans that will collect and report information about whether network providers are providing care, are required to meet cultural competence and language access standards and have a plan that can attract and retain more mental health providers.
United Healthcare and Attorney General James have agreed to cover $14.3 million in restitution for consumers unlawfully denied health care coverage.
Denise Amato, who was impacted by the mental health crisis, spoke about how frustrating it was getting care for her son.
“As a parent to a teenage boy going through mental crisis, I cannot express the frustrations and even anger I have felt trying to find providers who could see him in a timely fashion and also accept our health insurance,” Amato said.
