A newsletter for Highmark Blue Shield providers in central Pennsylvania, the Lehigh Valley, northeastern Pennsylvania, and southeastern Pennsylvania
Issue 4, April 2024
.For adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with a mental health disorder (roughly 15 million), only 67% received treatment. For those 12 years and older with substance use disorder, which is nearly 49 million individuals, the numbers are far grimmer, with less than 5% receiving treatment.
Some of your Highmark patients may face barriers to receiving mental health care due to a variety of reasons, including long wait times for appointments, transportation or geographic limitations, personal and work schedule conflicts, or discomfort with in-office appointments.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, which runs throughout May, Highmark is highlighting a high-quality mental and behavioral health care solution called Highmark Mental Well-Being powered by Spring Health.
It’s available for most members with fully insured commercial, Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicare Advantage, and Administrative Services Only (ASO) plans. The program offers expanded and timely access through customized interventions for eligible Highmark members (and their covered dependents ages 6+) from low-acuity wellness needs to high-acuity conditions.
Highmark Mental Well-Being powered by Spring Health features virtual and in-person (where available) appointments and a designated Care Navigator who will work to ensure our members get the right care at the right time, reducing improper emergency department (ED) utilization.
The program provides access to an expanded network of behavioral health providers who deliver evidence- and measurement-based care. Each member receives a customized care plan based on a digital assessment. Appointments for therapy and medication management are typically available within three business days. Members will also have access to a 24/7 crisis line. You can refer your eligible Highmark patients to Mental Well-Being using the form here. Members can also enroll in the program through their Highmark member portal.
Please note: If your patients have been seen in the ED for mental illness and/or substance use, follow-up is essential to make sure that they are receiving appropriate care.
Additional information about Highmark Mental Well-Being powered by Spring Health can be found on the Provider Resource Center by clicking EDUCATION/MANUALS > Clinical Support Programs > Behavioral Health.
