Given the extent to which the nature of the pandemic exposes the nation to mental health problems, the issue of mental health must be addressed post-pandemic. As a result, the Protecting Americans’ Coverage Together PACT, originated by employer groups committed to supporting the ESI system, proposed a set of policy recommendations aimed at strengthening and supporting the work of the United States mental health sector.
1. Telehealth to the Rescue: Improve Access.
Mental health has accelerated the evolution of telehealth technology since it allows patients to consult from their homes. To sustain and enhance this progress, PACT advocates for To sustain and enhance this progress, PACT advocates for:
Electronic prescription of psychiatric medications: Removing in-person visit requirements for telehealth mental health services.
requirements for the use of telehealthcare, and where appropriate, flexibility in the delivery of telehealth services means two-way audio-visual or audio-only care.
Moving to a permanent telehealth policy opens up the current telehealth flexibilities, such as widening the area where telehealth services can be performed from rural to urban geographical areas.
Expanding the development and deployment of broadband and telehealth infrastructure.
Employers’ ability to offer telehealth care on the pre-deductible side for high-deductible health plan (HDHP) individuals who are ESI participants with health savings accounts.
2. Enhance the provider’s workforce.
One of the main issues in the market is the lack of sufficient quality mental health providers. PACT proposes several strategies to address this issue, including PACT proposes several strategies to address this issue, including:
Proper training of other personnel to carry out nonclinical BH services.
Supporting primary care practices to train and prepare their health care providers on how to manage mild to moderate behavioural health needs.
Offering additional support in comprehensive community services, especially for far-flung places.
The initiatives related to equity and the training related to bias: Promoting workforce diversity and cultural competency.
Increasing the number of Medicare Direct Graduate Medical Education positions gained for each hospital and allocating some for training new mental health professionals.
allowing licensed professionals to provide at the highest level of their skills in many mental and behavioural health service settings.
3. More systematic coordination between mental health and physical health care.
A greater emphasis on psychological health care is needed in order to provide better treatment alternatives and generate related cost savings. PACT recommends:
Engage in workforce development and collaborative care model expansion.
Toward the Next Generation of Collaborative Care: Advancing the Model.
Behavioral health screening is delivered in primary care and during wellness visits.
The enactment of how payers can embark on value-based arrangements and alternative payment models.
Conclusion
With the implementation of the aforementioned recommendations, policymakers would have come closer to solving the mental health conundrum in the United States. PACT is willing and able to partner with others towards achieving these solutions to the respect and dignity of people who receive care in an ever-changing health care system.
