News Center

Originally published in The Tennessean, November 2024

Mental health is a key component of overall wellbeing. It influences how we think, feel and act – and how we react to stress, relate to others and make decisions. We also know that mental health conditions can make it difficult to achieve better health outcomes. For example, a person suffering from depression is less likely to make an appointment for their annual physical or keep taking important medication.

The good news is there’s less stigma about people seeking mental health care today, and more people are taking care of themselves. We know that seeking this care benefits overall health, but there’s more to do.

Here’s how we responded

The isolation our communities felt during and after the pandemic showed us how significant the need for mental health services was across Tennessee, especially in rural areas where those resources are scarce or non-existent.

As the state’s largest insurer, we understand the responsibility to support greater access to mental health care.  Our first priority was to review our rate structure and Tennessee’s averages for behavioral health reimbursement.

We started meeting with behavioral health providers around the state in 2021 and 2022 to gain a better understanding of their needs.

Based on their feedback, we knew we needed to take action that would benefit behavioral health providers while keeping costs affordable for our members.

1. We increased reimbursement rates. Since early 2023, we’ve invested $30 million in boosting reimbursement for behavioral health providers. Between 2022 and 2024, what we pay for therapy sessions and office visits increased by as much as 46-116%.    
2. Raising payments helped us expand our networks. We worked on bringing more providers into our networks, and those efforts are paying off. The number of mental health specialists who accept our coverage rose 9% between 2022-2023 and rose another 20% between 2023-2024.
3. Telehealth increased access to more providers. Many BlueCross members gained access to 5,000 additional behavioral health providers through an expansion of our existing telehealth platform.  
4. Members using telehealth can choose a provider and build a relationship. They can view provider profiles and once they find a provider they like, they can continue to see that same provider going forward. In a survey, members shared that if telehealth had not been an option, 51% would simply not have gotten care at all. The provider reimbursement for services provided via telehealth is also the same as provider in-person care. 
5. We launched new initiatives. We’re working with a Northeast Tennessee provider group to integrate behavioral health care within primary care practices. This initiative also aims to develop a viable career path for behavioral health clinicians within that model. 

While these efforts have helped us see improvements in access to mental health care services in four of the state’s major metropolitan areas, rural areas remain a significant challenge. So, we hope to continue to enroll new providers regularly.

We believe the expansion of mental health care access in Tennessee is not just a necessity but an imperative.

The statistics are clear – the mental health crisis is escalating, and the impacts are felt across every community, from urban centers to rural areas.

BlueCross has taken significant steps to address these issues by increasing reimbursement rates, expanding networks, and promoting telehealth services. However, the journey is far from over. By prioritizing mental health, we can build healthier, more resilient communities, fostering an environment where every individual has the support they need to thrive. It’s time to make mental health care a cornerstone of our health care system in Tennessee.