Letter to the New York Times Editor

Managed CareLetter to the New York Times Editor Calls for Reimbursement Rate Reform

Submitted September 4, 2014

While we certainly applaud the expansion of mental health coverage under the Affordable Care Act (Expansion of Mental Health Care Hits Obstacles, August 28, 2014), the focus must now turn toward ensuring the availability of a robust and financially stable network of providers to meet this growing need for services. Agencies and private providers alike are facing financial hardships due to sub-standard reimbursement rates that have steadily eroded over the past decade, forcing many in the private sector to no longer accept any insurance. Social workers and other mental health professionals are burdened by large caseloads, mounds of paperwork, and endless rounds of submission and resubmission to managed care insurance companies. Including private clinical social workers as Medicaid providers is a step in the right direction but necessitates reform in reimbursement rates, a noted deterrent for acceptance of Medicaid and Medicare. Individuals in need of mental health services deserve timely access to a choice of providers. Clinical social workers like Ms. Wright should not have to work for free to address this public health need.

Respectfully,

Peter Chernack, DSW, LCSW-R, President
National Association of Social Workers- NYS Chapter

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