What Are Health Plans Doing About Access?

Consumer access to care remains a ‘top of mind’ issue—from access to psychiatrists, waiting lists for treatment programs, and follow-up appointments with therapists—executives realize that care delayed is often never received, which can lead to more expensive care.

In 2017, only 48.2% of members with a commercial HMO plan had a follow-up visit within seven days after discharge from the hospital for mental illness (see Follow-Up After Hospitalization For Mental Illness). And just 37.0% and 32.2% of consumers who have Medicaid and Medicare coverage had follow-up visits within seven days post . . .