|
|
| NAMI ANTHEM ACTION CENTER |
CAN’T FIND A MENTAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDER?
Link to WCPO-Channel 9 Special Report
In 2007, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield/Wellpoint decided to cut payments to
mental health providers in Ohio, such as psychologists and counselors and social
workers, by 20%. As a result, it has become nearly impossible to find a mental
health provider willing to accept Anthem insurance coverage.
Yet Anthem/Wellpoint reported profits of $3.3 billion in 2007, with growth of
over 15% expected in 2008. Remarkably, mental health claim represents a
minuscule fraction of Anthem’s overall health claims each year.
This issue affects thousands of tri-state residents who seek to obtain mental
health care through their health insurance plan, only to find that there are no
providers accepting Anthem (or any other insurance). If the provider will accept
Anthem, there can be waits from 3 to 7 months for the initial appointment.
There is only one way to change this unacceptable restriction and discrimination
against people seeking treatment for their mental illness or emotional
disorders. We must SPEAK UP!!!
We encourage you to file a written complaint, with both Anthem (or other managed
care company) and the Ohio Department of Insurance.
Follow this link to
download
a sample complaint letter.
Send your complaint to:
Anthem/Wellpoint:
Greg Greenwood, PhD
Executive Director
Central Region Behavioral Health
Anthem BCBS/Wellpoint
4361 Irwin-Simpson Rd.
Mason, OH 45040
Greg.greenwood@anthem.com
Ohio Department of Insurance:
http://www.ohioinsurance.gov/forms/scripts/formsdownload.asp?formid=0
|
