Parity & Reform Must Address Rural Behavioral Health Care and Coverage

So much of what we’re hearing, reading and considering when it comes to behavioral health parity and health insurance reform is a function of our urban and suburban perceptions of  health care.  I lived and worked in a rural/frontier state for some time and can recall the difficulties and challenges we faced there and in [...]

In Support of a Public-Private Option

Throughout the campaign, we heard a chorus that went something like this: “I want those of you who are uninsured to benefit from coverage similar to mine. Federal employees enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP) have tremendous health insurance. We could leverage these plans, model a solution accordingly, and vastly expand enrollment [...]

The Bigger Picture: Making Sense of Behavioral Health Beyond Reform and Post-Parity

The reform debate rages on (and on).  Meanwhile, some very important questions remain unanswered and buried under the weight of “inflammation” rather than meaningful healthcare information.  To say that this process has become inflamed and devisive – hijacked by pundits and strategists from both sides of the aisle – is a great understatement at this [...]

“Addiction Equity” – Addressing Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Coverage with the help of ASAM

We recently presented to the State Associations of Addictions Services (SAAS) at their annual summit in Tucson where they had joined forces with NIATx (and by extension SAMHSA and NIDA) in the interest of exploring patient engagement strategies, the exchange of process improvement ideas, and understanding how healthcare reform and the Mental Health Parity and [...]

Reform, Rationing & Rationality: How The Healthcare Debate Unfolds In Behavioral Health

Watching the House and Senate debate and planning process and witnessing the media and pundit reaction on television and in the blog-o-sphere everyday, I find it no wonder the average voter is losing confidence. The healthcare debate in this country revolves around some of the most complex economic, scientific, legal and ethical challenges in modern [...]

Expanding Access to Behavioral Health Services Akin to Removing Barriers

As we approach the launch of Parity this Fall and Winter and slog through the trials and tribulations of the Healthcare Reform “process” in Washington DC, we are reminded that one of the overarching goals for both Parity and Reform is enhanced access to high-quality care.  I don’t know about you but that particular goal [...]