Massachusetts Blue Cross Blue Shield Mental Health Visits Doubled Over Pre-COVID-19 Volume

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) has reported that during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency, the number of their members making behavioral health visits doubled. BCBCMS reported that during 2019, 4 million behavioral health visits took place. In comparison, as of the third quarter of 2022, BCBSMA members made approximately 8 million behavioral health visits.

After announcing the rise in behavioral health visits, BCBSMA reported that its mental health provider organization network has increased by 46% during the past five years, and that it continues to expand the network to provide specialized services for specific . . .