BCBSTX Provider Network Expansion Improves Behavioral Healthcare Access

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) is improving behavioral healthcare access for members with an expanded provider network and additional telehealth offerings.

After the payer expanded its provider network in January, BCBSTX members can now access nearly 4,000 in-network behavioral health providers through the organization Headway.

The improved access to behavioral healthcare providers comes as the nation faces a mental health crisis. According to a survey from Gallup, one-third of Americans have been diagnosed with depression in their lifetimes.

“We always want to improve access to behavioral health care – it’s extremely important. When time is critical, and someone needs help, making it fast and simple to see a provider for that first appointment is a top goal,” Frank Webster, MD, chief medical officer for behavioral health at BCBSTX, said in the press release. “I’m so pleased to hear our efforts to expand the network with Headway have moved the needle on first appointment times. We owe that to our members.”

Through Headway, BCBSTX members can receive care two to three times faster than average, the payer noted. Members can schedule care online and receive an appointment within 48 hours. They can also receive care through a referral.

More than three-quarters of BCBSTX members see an improvement in clinical assessment in the first 30 days, according to Headway.

The network expansion also benefits out-of-state BCBSTX members, who can now access more than 21,000 in-network behavioral health providers across 26 states through Headway. The expansion helps address health equity and promote culturally competent care, as 42 percent of providers identify as Black, Hispanic, Asian, or multiracial, with more than 80 languages spoken among them.

Fully insured group plan members in Illinois and Texas can access the behavioral health network.

BCBSTX’s previous telehealth expansions have also helped facilitate member access to behavioral healthcare. Before 2020, telehealth represented one-half of one percent of all members’ behavioral health appointments.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the payer increased access to virtual appointments as members cut back on in-person care. Now, telehealth represents up to 50 percent of all members’ behavioral health appointments.

BCBSTX has invested in several community initiatives to improve mental and behavioral health for members. For example, the payer granted more than $820,000 to 21 nonprofit organizations across Texas to help close gaps in behavioral healthcare.

Additionally, the payer is launching its 13th outdoor Fitness Court through a partnership with the National Fitness Campaign. BCBSTX has committed to building nearly 40 Fitness Courts in the next few years, which offer free, full-body workouts for community members.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross) took similar steps recently to improve member access to mental healthcare. The payer expanded access to Headway to out-of-state members, added another primary mental health provider to its network, and welcomed two specialty mental health organizations.

Blue Cross also offers an online mental health resource center and a mental health line to help members connect with providers and understand their care options.