BOSTON — An investigation by the state of Massachusetts into Aetna Health Insurance Company's coverage of behavioral health care for its members has led to a settlement between the insurer and the state's attorney general's office, which includes changes to mental health care access.
According to the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, Aetna deceived patients with its online provider directories and failed to follow state laws by not covering some substance abuse treatments without pre-approval.
“Massachusetts patients face far too many barriers to receiving essential mental health and substance use treatment,” Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said in a statement. “With these commitments, Aetna is making it easier for patients to access the care they need.”
“It’s frustrating for families who need these services to hit roadblocks and have to jump through hoops to get care,” added Joanne Peterson, Learn to Cope support network founder and executive director. “Our battle against the opioid epidemic starts with making treatment accessible to those in need. I applaud Aetna for making these important commitments to behavioral health parity.”
The settlement includes taking steps to correct the issues with its online provider directories to make it clearer for members to get information on behavioral health providers, according to Healey's office. Aetna is also required to make it known to its members that pre-approval is not needed for regular behavioral health visits and to make it clear when pre-approval is actually required, the Attorney General's Office said.