Blue Cross MA Expands Mental Health Resources, Provider Network

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross) continues to expand mental health resources for members, as spending on mental health services totaled over $1 billion in 2022.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the payer’s annual spending on mental health services has doubled, going from $610 million in 2019 to $1.3 billion in 2022. The growth is likely due to more members seeking mental healthcare and substance use disorder treatment during the pandemic.

“Access to high-quality, convenient, and affordable mental healthcare has never been more important,” Sarah Iselin, president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross, said in the press release. “We’re working hard to expand our network and help members find the right care, when they need it. We are committed to this work because it is the right thing to do for our members and our community.”

The payer’s mental health provider network includes more than 18,000 clinicians and has grown by 50 percent over the last five years. The payer currently partners with several primary mental health groups, including Talkiatry, Thriveworks, Refresh Mental Health, and Valera Health.

In response to the increased demand for mental healthcare, Blue Cross is expanding its network even more and introducing new resources to facilitate access to care for members.

Blue Cross is extending access to Headway, one of its current primary mental health provider partners, to out-of-state members for virtual services. Headway’s network includes over 20,000 credentialed mental health providers of varying races, genders, ethnicities, and specialties.

Blue Cross has also welcomed Alma, a national primary mental health provider, to its network. Alma specializes in telehealth, in-person therapy, and medication management and has more than 13,000 mental health clinicians, many of whom identify as Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian, and/or LGBTQIA+. Blue Cross members will have access to Alma providers starting in the summer.

The payer is adding two specialty mental health provider organizations that offer care for specific conditions and populations.

Cortica provides value-based care for autistic and other neurodivergent children and their families, including medical care, ABA therapy, counseling, and developmental therapies. Eleanor Health offers personalized care plans for treating substance use disorders and other mental health conditions.

In addition to expanding its mental health provider network, Blue Cross has improved care navigation. As of June 2022, Blue Cross members can access a self-navigation quiz and a mental health advocate program through the MyBlue member portal.

Almost all members seeking an in-network provider have been matched through MyBlue since the navigation tools became available, the press release stated. Additionally, more than 600 members with complex needs or specific provider criteria have been matched with an appropriate provider.

“Adding more providers to our network is critical – but it’s not enough,” said Greg Harris, MD, senior medical director for mental health of Blue Cross. “We know how difficult it can be to find the right type of care for a variety of mental health challenges. We’re here to support our members and guide them to the care and resources that they need regardless of where they are at in their mental health journey.”

The payer offers an online mental health resource center to help members find clinicians, understand their care options, and use tools to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Members can also utilize Blue Cross’ mental health line to find mental health or substance use support options.