@PsychAppeal profile picture
Psych-Appeal, Inc. @PsychAppeal

A law firm dedicated to mental health insurance advocacy on behalf of patients and providers. Recognized as a national leader in mental health parity.

Joined January 2012
  • Tweets 865
  • Following 421
  • Followers 471
59 Photos and videos
Learn how an addiction center in California is challenging Anthem over claims denials. But they're not alone. We need more aggressive monitoring and oversight of health plans by the Dept of Managed Health Care. calmatters.org/health/mental… #MentalHealthMatters

She kept challenging one of California's biggest health insurers. Then, it tried to cut her off

A California addiction center found a way to compel Anthem to cover patients it rejected. Their dispute reflects a broader tug-of-war in mental health treatment.

calmatters.org
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The latest on #WitvUBH: Federal district court affirms that UBH breached its fiduciary duties to mental health patients. Read more: news.bloombergtax.com/health… #MentalHealthIsHealth

United Behavioral Health Patients’ Coverage Fight Not Dead Yet

Patients who’ve spent more than a decade challenging United Behavioral Health’s internal guidelines for mental health coverage kept their case alive when a federal magistrate judge said they could...

news.bloombergtax.com
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Why do we see a low number of appeals for #mentalhealth claims in group health plans? Participants may not understand the appeals process. Also 1) wrongful medical necessity denials & 2) inadequate networks. Read more in this DOL report with my testimony. psych-appeal.com/wp-content/…
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It's a tragic story: Health plan denies treatment, son dies of a fentanyl overdose & mom files a wrongful death lawsuit. Our view: "Aggressive monitoring and oversight by regulators should address this troubling trend." Story by @jocelynwiener, @CalMatters calmatters.org/health/mental…

He wanted to live. After his insurance rejected coverage, he died of a fentanyl overdose

Ryan Matlock died within days of being released from a California addiction treatment center after his health plan declined to cover his extended stay.

calmatters.org
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The @journalsentinel analyzed 5 years of lawsuits over denial of long-term disability claims & 1/3 involved #mentalhealth, reports @natalie_eilbert. Our view: Employers & 3rd-party administrators reviewing claims are "acting in their own best interests." jsonline.com/story/news/heal…

Physically disabled? No problem. Mentally disabled? Coverage is limited, harder to get.

Progress toward health coverage parity, in which mental health issues are covered in the same way as physical health issues, has been glacial.

jsonline.com
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It's called a ghost network: When insurers don't update their #mentalhealth provider directories, leaving you to believe there are more options than exist. @propublica's @MaxBlau investigates the issue and how to navigate a ghost network to get treatment. propublica.org/article/how-t…

Struggling to Find an In-Network Mental Health Provider? Here’s What You Can Do.

Insurers’ failures to update their provider directories have led to dire consequences for people seeking mental health care. Experts, clinicians and advocates explain how you can navigate these...

propublica.org
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Ravi's tragedy is all too common & it underscores the failings of our healthcare system to provide #mentalhealth treatment when it's needed most. TY @MaxBlau, @propublica for your diligence in reporting an issue health insurers would rather remain uncovered. #MentalHealthParity
Max Blau (maxblau.bsky.social)@MaxBlau
8 Sep 2024
Ravi Coutinho thought his health insurance plan would unlock access to mental health care providers. But the problems with accessing care were impossible to escape. This is the story of his perilous journey through what’s known as a “ghost network.” 🧵propublica.org/article/ambet…
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Mental health care protections vary across the U.S. @propublica's @AnnieWaldman looks at state laws, existing legal protections for patients – & our opinion on why it's an issue if "insurers are allowed to home bake their own medical necessity standards." propublica.org/article/menta…

What Mental Health Care Protections Exist in Your State?

Insurers have wide latitude on when and how they can deny mental health care. We looked at the laws in all 50 states and found that some are charting new paths to secure mental health care access.

propublica.org
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According to @LLSusa, only ~90K of 48M denied claims are appealed. So we're advocating for 1) DOL FAQ that urgent cases aren't limited to inpatient care & 2) if there's no response w/in the required 72 hrs, an urgent claim should be automatically approved. plansponsor.com/health-claim…

Health Claim Denial Appeal Rates Should be Higher, Experts Argue | PLANSPONSOR

ERISA Advisory Council hears from experts about the reasons why health plan participants often fail to challenge denied claims.

plansponsor.com
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Two years in, #988Lifeline continues to provide #mentalhealth support when people need it most. Help spread the message of this vital resource. Support is available 24/7 by call, text or chat. #MentalHealthMatters
NAMI
@NAMICommunicate
15 Jul 2024
A new NAMI/@ipsosus poll shows that many Americans still don’t know what to do if they or a loved one are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide. As we mark the 2nd anniversary of 988 this July, help us spread awareness of this lifesaving resource. Learn more: bit.ly/4eTUiup
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For those interested in advancing their careers in psychiatry and #substanceuse treatment, consider signing up for this webinar by the @AAAP1985 and @APApsychiatric to learn more about fellowship opportunities.
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Michigan joins other states with the signing of its first #mentalhealth parity law on May 21. "Right now, there are too many loopholes that allow providers to avoid paying for certain medical mental health treatments," said @GovWhitmer. Yes, #ParityNow. freep.com/story/news/politic…

Whitmer signs bill requiring equal insurance coverage for mental health treatment

The legislation signed Tuesday bars insurance providers from placing greater restrictions on mental health coverage than they do on medical coverage.

freep.com
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"Mental health is essential health. There cannot be healthcare without mental health." Well said, @PJK4brainhealth. #ParityNow #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MentalHealthMonth #MHAM24
Patrick J. Kennedy
@PJK4brainhealth
9 May 2024
Join us in the moment demanding PARITY FOR MENTAL HEALTH! #DontDenyMe bit.ly/3UujU7I
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An @RTI_Intl report finds patients are 10x more likely to go out of network for #mentalhealth care – & lower reimbursement plays a key role in the crisis. @APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, says this is unacceptable. We agree in the need for #ParityNow. apa.org/news/press/releases/…

APA alarmed by poor network access for mental health patients

Mental health parity report finds insurance network access is worse for patients seeking psychological care vs medical care.

apa.org
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Psych-Appeal, Inc. retweeted
The Kennedy Forum@kennedyforum
2 Apr 2024
In the professional world, knowing your mental health rights is vital for well-being and career success. Mental Health Parity ensures fair access to services. Learn more at the @USDOL's site: bit.ly/3txD2aZ.
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A Health & Human Services OIG report finds all eight states selected did not comply with Medicaid managed care #mentalhealth parity requirements, which could affect treatment access for Americans enrolled in Medicaid, writes @Ganny_Belloni. #ParityNow news.bloomberglaw.com/health…

Watchdog Cites Failures on Mental Health Parity in Medicaid

Millions of Americans enrolled in Medicaid may be unfairly restricted from accessing mental health and addiction treatment services, according to findings from a federal watchdog report.

news.bloomberglaw.com
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For moms of newborns, #zuranolone could help with #PostPartumDepression. But three months after hitting the market, it's unclear if insurers will cover the drug & if they do, what fail-first requirements will be applied, as I discuss with @adembosky. npr.org/sections/health-shot…

There's a new prescription pill for postpartum depression. How will coverage work?

A prescription pill to treat postpartum depression hit the market in December, but most insurers do not yet have a policy on how patients can access it or when they will pay for it.

npr.org
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The rising cost of #mentalhealth care creates a Hobson's choice for families. The "hurdles can be so difficult & expensive for a person with an untreated mental health condition to navigate that it’s causing some to forgo care," writes @TATIANADFLOWERS. coloradosun.com/2024/02/09/m…

For Coloradans already struggling with their budgets, the cost of mental health care is increasin...

The trend is creating devastating effects for Coloradans struggling to get care, their loved ones and the economy.

coloradosun.com
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We've long followed Kaiser Permanente's changing #brexanolone guidelines for #PostPartumDepression. In my conversation w/ @adembosky, @KQED, the new question is if insurers will cover the pill form, zuranolone. Both can make a difference for new moms. kqed.org/science/1985979/kai…

Kaiser Eases Restrictions on Postpartum Depression Care After Investigations | KQED

California patients are waiting to see what coverage policies insurers will set for the new pill form of the drug, zuranolone.

kqed.org
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We've known for a long time that there's under-reimbursement of mental health care. A new Milliman report says 2/3 of Americans weren't able to access treatment in 2021, even though they were insured. More of our reaction in this @NPRHealth story, @RhituC. npr.org/sections/health-shot…

Most Americans with mental health needs don't get treatment, report finds

Many Americans are diagnosed with mental health conditions, but most don't get professional help, even if they're insured. Obstacles include difficulties finding providers their plan covers.

npr.org
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