A new tool recently unveiled provides the first look at real-time commercial insurance data on mental health and substance use coverage metrics.

The Mental Health Parity Index raises the potential of widespread issues for patient access and clinician pay, which can mean longer wait times, higher out-of-pocket costs, and increased reliance on out-of-network care for individuals seeking treatment. The Kennedy Forum launched the Index in collaboration with Third Horizon, the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Psychological Foundation, and Ballmer Group.

Among the key findings:

• 43 states show disparities in access to in-network mental health care and treatment for substance use disorders relative to physical health.
• Patients in 7 of 10 counties face challenges finding in-network clinicians for mental health care and substance use disorder treatment compared to physical health clinicians.
• All states show disparities in payment for treatment of mental health and substance use disorders.

Full article: New insurer data reveals significant gaps to in-network mental health care and treatment for substance use disorders when compared to physical health