Chicago Hispanic Newspaper, Lawndale News, Hispanic Bilingual Newspaper, Su Noticiero Bilingue » Heartily applauds introduction of bill to eliminate ‘ghost networks’ to improve access to mental health care

Inseparable, a national organization focused on closing treatment disparities for people with mental illness, improving crisis response, and supporting youth mental health, is increasing access to mental health treatment by eliminating “ghost networks.” He praised the introduction of a bill in the General Assembly to improve the situation. ” or a provider network full of providers who aren’t actually in-network, aren’t accepting new patients, aren’t co-located, or don’t practice at all. This bill, HB5313, was recently introduced by State Representative Margaret Croke (IL-12) to ensure that enrollees seeking a mental health care provider can rely on an accurate provider directory in their health plan. Submitted. Insurers are required to make provider directories available to consumers when selecting health plans or searching for in-network providers, and research shows that provider characteristics are often misrepresented or include “ghost networks” that are not actually available to those with insurance. plan. Research also proves the importance of ensuring people have access to the treatment they need. Delays can cause worsening of the condition, additional health concerns, and significantly increased costs. HB5313 expands what plans must disclose in provider directories, including phone numbers and email addresses, and how to dispute charges for out-of-network providers who are incorrectly listed as in-network before providing care Include a description of. . This allows consumers to recover out-of-pocket costs when out-of-network costs are charged to a provider listed as in-network in the provider directory. For more information about HB5313, visit ILGA.gov.