Ghost Networks
The current crisis in access to mental health treatment is exacerbated by barriers to care imposed by health insurance companies, including the prevalence of “ghost networks.”
“Ghost networks” are directories provided by health insurers that list health care providers that purportedly accept their insurance plan, but in reality, do not. These “ghost networks” are also replete with errors and duplications, which make them inaccurate, incomplete, deceptive, and misleading.
Mental health provider directories are more likely than any other medical specialty to be “ghost networks.”
“Ghost networks” of mental health providers cause a variety of catastrophic consequences for those seeking care.
Because people in need are unable to find a mental health provider covered by their insurance, necessary mental health treatment is either delayed or abandoned completely. These effects are made even more harmful by the fact that a person experiencing a mental health crisis often requires urgent care, and delays are dangerous and sometimes deadly.
In addition, people anxiously seeking care, who rely on what they believe is an accurate directory, either mistakenly or in desperation, use an out-of-network mental health provider, which results in high, unexpected costs.
Finally, a person seeking mental health treatment on a “ghost network” spends countless, frustrating hours searching for a provider, often to no avail. This is exacerbated by the fact that a person experiencing a mental health emergency is especially unable to navigate a complicated labyrinth to obtain care.
We represent those who have been harmed by “ghost networks,” and hold insurance companies accountable for the barriers they impose to mental health care.