Mental health issues affect every business. Studies show one in five Americans has a mental health disorder, and most of them have not received treatment.1 Members who get proper mental health care may feel more satisfied with their jobs, perform better at work and incur fewer medical costs.2
The Behavioral Health program from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) engages members across the care continuum — from short-term life events to serious mental illness and substance use disorders. Our licensed behavioral health clinicians can help them overcome barriers to achieving treatment goals and discover healthier versions of themselves.
Our case management program:
Some behavioral health conditions require a specialized approach, due to their complexity and sensitive nature. BCBSIL has established programs to effectively address the challenges inherent in managing these disorders.
Behavioral health treatment plans can be complex, expensive and subject to fraud, waste and abuse. Our utilization management processes help ensure both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services are clinically appropriate and likely to contribute to successful outcomes.3
By delivering proactive management programs through the complete continuum of care, our clinical operations staff can positively impact a wider range of behavioral health outcomes and costs.
Members have access to a nationwide network of more than 430,000 behavioral health professionals and treatment facilities through Provider Finder® at bcbsil.com.4
Members and providers can also call the Behavioral Health number listed on their BCBSIL member ID card for prior authorization and other questions. Behavioral health clinicians are available 24/7 for urgent issues.
Members with untreated mental health conditions use three times more non-psychiatric care than those who receive treatment.
Straightforward reporting clarifies behavioral health program results to help inform key business decisions.
The Behavioral Health program is available only to those members whose health plans include behavioral health benefits through BCBSIL. Some plans may not include outpatient behavioral health care management. Information members may receive from the program does not replace the care of a physician. Members are encouraged to share any concerns they may have with their behavioral health professional or physician.
1 State of Mental Health America 2018, Mental Health America. http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/issues/state-mental-health-america
2 Bad for Business: The Business Case for Overcoming Mental Illness Stigma in the Workplace. National Alliance on Mental Illness Massachusetts.
3. Prior authorization is required for some behavioral health services, including inpatient care, residential treatment, partial hospital admissions, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), applied behavior analysis (ABA) treatment, outpatient electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).
4. Applies to PPO plans with BlueCard® access.