WASHINGTON – Sept. 13, 2018 – It’s estimated that for every dollar spent in improved treatment for common mental disorders, there is a return of four dollars in improved health and productivity.* However, US employers are not realizing the value of this investment according to a new report released by the non-profit National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions as clear disparities exist for access to behavioral health when compared to the attention physical health services and support have received.
“There’s no question that our mental health system needs work and we’re collaborating with key stakeholders and our network of member coalitions to broker real solutions for very serious issues,” said Michael Thompson, president and CEO, National Alliance. “Conditions like depression, anxiety and substance use disorders are prevalent among the US workforce and employers must ensure affordable and improved access to quality support for employees and their families. Parity is the law – and improved performance is good business.”
The report, Achieving Value in Mental Health Support: A Deep Dive Powered by eValue8, and the accompanying Mental Health Action Brief shine a light on the underlying gaps in mental health care and related benefits administration based on the National Alliance’s annual eValue8 survey of health plans.
Click here for the full report.
Click here for the full action brief.
*
www.who.int/mental_health/in_the_workplace/en/