The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing to address the challenges of accessing mental health care and improve the accuracy of provider directories. The majority of staff released a study that found only 18% of secret shoppers were able to schedule an appointment for depression using provider directories for 12 Medicare Advantage plans. Testimony was given by experts, patient advocacy groups, and representatives. The hearing concluded with a call for greater collaboration and coordination among stakeholders to improve the accuracy and accessibility of mental health care services.
The Senate Finance Committee convened a hearing today to address the challenges that patients face in accessing mental health care. The hearing focused on improving the accuracy of provider directories, a critical component of patients’ ability to find and receive timely mental health care services. The hearing comes amid growing concerns about the adequacy of mental health care resources and services available to Americans, particularly those on Medicare Advantage plans.
The committee, chaired by Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), released a study by the committee’s majority staff, which found that only 18% of secret shoppers were able to schedule an appointment for depression using provider directories for 12 Medicare Advantage plans. The findings of the study highlight the inadequacy of current mechanisms for ensuring that provider directories are accurate and up-to-date, which can result in significant barriers to accessing mental health care.
In his opening remarks, Senator Wyden emphasized the importance of addressing the barriers to mental health care access, particularly for seniors and those on Medicare Advantage plans. He noted that while Medicare performs regular audits of plans offering coverage to seniors to ensure they meet minimum standards, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) does not regularly audit Medicare Advantage provider directories. Senator Wyden called for a change in this practice to ensure that patients can access the care they need.
The hearing featured testimony from several experts in the field, including Robert Trestman, M.D., Professor and Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at Carilion Clinic and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine; Jack Resneck Jr., M.D., President of the American Medical Association; and Jeff Rideout, M.D., President and CEO of the Integrated Health Care Association. Representatives from several patient advocacy groups also testified at the hearing.
Dr. Trestman, who serves on the American Hospital Association’s Behavioral Health Committee, testified on behalf of the American Psychiatric Association. He highlighted the critical role that provider directories play in ensuring access to mental health care services, particularly for vulnerable populations. Dr. Trestman emphasized that inaccurate provider directories can create significant barriers to accessing care, leading to delays in treatment, missed appointments, and worsening of mental health conditions.
Dr. Resneck focused on the challenges that physicians face in maintaining accurate provider directories, highlighting the need for greater coordination and collaboration between physicians and health plans. He called for increased investment in technology and infrastructure to support better data sharing and management, which could improve the accuracy and timeliness of provider directory updates.
Dr. Rideout emphasized the importance of transparency in provider directory accuracy, highlighting the need for clear reporting requirements and performance metrics. He also called for greater accountability for health plans that fail to maintain accurate provider directories, including the possibility of financial penalties or other sanctions.
Representatives from patient advocacy groups highlighted the real-world impact of inaccurate provider directories on patients and families, including increased stress and anxiety, delayed treatment, and increased costs. They called for greater patient involvement in the development and maintenance of provider directories, as well as increased outreach and education to help patients navigate the complex mental health care system.
The hearing concluded with a call to action for greater collaboration and coordination among stakeholders to improve the accuracy and accessibility of mental health care services. Senator Wyden emphasized the need for ongoing oversight and accountability to ensure that health plans are meeting the needs of patients and families. The hearing represents an important step forward in addressing the critical issue of mental health care access and underscores the need for continued focus and investment in this area.
