Anyone who has ever received behavioral health care will agree that choosing a provider is a very personal decision. Yet far too many people find their choice restricted by exclusive provider networks managed by health insurance companies. A recent secret‑shopper study by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department revealed that patients were able to secure behavioral health care appointments only 14.9% of the time, and when they did, they faced wait times averaging over 32 days. While insurers may meet current network adequacy standards, there are still Pennsylvanians struggling to access behavioral health care.
 
Meanwhile, our country is facing a mental health crisis. During his most recent budget address, Governor Shapiro highlighted the need for improved access to behavioral health providers. He called upon the legislature to act and make a more favorable environment for Pennsylvanians seeking these services. I am sure that each of my colleagues has heard from constituents who are struggling to find a behavioral health care provider that can help them. Creating a more streamlined path for clinicians to join insurance networks so that residents can receive timely and effective behavioral health care from an in-network provider should be a shared priority.
 
To address this matter, my legislation would require insurers in Pennsylvania to accept any qualified behavioral health care provider into the insurer’s network if the provider is willing to accept the insurer’s contract terms.
 
Receiving adequate mental health care can be a life‑or‑death matter, and this legislation is a common‑sense fix to a complex issue. Please join me in co‑sponsoring this legislation.