ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — One of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s top priorities this year is focusing on the issue of mental health. She wants to make sure New Yorkers get the help they need through their insurance companies.
“One might say, ‘I have insurance. Isn’t that supposed to cover everything? Guess what. They don’t do that,'” Hochul said. “Insurance companies, a lot of them do the right thing, and there are others that don’t.”
A report released last month by the New York Attorney General’s Office found that a majority of insurance companies have false information in their mental health provider directories.
https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/reports/mental-health-report_0.pdf
“Their numbers were incorrect, they were not providing the service, they were only offering the virtual service, they were not offering the children’s service, the seniors service, they were not accessible, they were no longer excluding new patients, or they were not there at all,” explained Letitia James, New York Attorney General.
Those who need help should be able to get immediate help, James said. To solve this problem, her office issued recommendations to insurance companies.
“Having their list up to date, they are also creating more incentives for providers to join their networks,” James said. “People should not have to go out of network and pay out of pocket for these services.”
The president of the New York Health Plan Association said health plans work hard to ensure their guides are up-to-date and accurate.
“Our industry remains committed to working with the Attorney General, the Hochul administration, and legislative leaders on policy solutions to increase access and ensure patients get the mental health care services, care, and support they need,” said Eric Lenzer, President and CEO. “.