Congress Urged to Tackle ‘Ghost Networks’ Amid Mental Health Crisis

Medical experts urged Congress to hold insurance companies accountable for inaccurate medical directories that can hamper access for patients seeking mental health treatments. The problem, referred to as a “ghost network,” occurs when health insurance providers ostensibly provide coverage, but direct customers to nonexistent or unavailable doctors and providers. Committee staff found that more than 80 percent of mental health providers found in insurance directories from 12 plans in six states were unreachable, not accepting new patients or were not in-network, according to a secret shopper study. Experts said the problem can have serious consequences for patients seeking psychiatric care or other mental health treatments. Read more from The Hill here.