(BLET Editor’s Note: The following is a press release from United Healthcare.)
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, September 9 — We all have moments in our lives when we feel overwhelmed and stressed, and confiding in a family member or friend may help us through those difficult times. Sometimes, though, personal struggles can be challenging and additional support is needed. The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Care Benefit (MHSA) offers confidential support and treatment whether it’s struggling with raising teenagers, the loss of a loved one, or dealing with depression or an addiction. You are not alone. Once you make the decision to seek help, United Behavioral Health (UBH) is here 24/7 to assist with selecting a network provider with the right qualifications that will meet your particular needs.
Why should I consider choosing a network provider?
There are many reasons you should seek treatment from UBH’s network of providers, some of which are:
• Quality – UBH network providers are reviewed regularly to ensure the quality of their services meet specific standards.
• Best Match – UBH has a large network of licensed, certified professionals, and treatment facilities that are recommended based on training, background, and expertise to suit you or a family member’s specific needs.
• Time – UBH network providers save you time because they handle the insurance paperwork and submit claims on your behalf.
• Cost – UBH network providers can save you money because they agree to accept a pre-negotiated rate from your health insurer, and you will not be billed for any additional charges other than your copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance.
What concerns should I have with out-of-network providers?
Many times when searching for help, individuals seek the advice of friends or explore the internet for providers of mental health and substance abuse treatment instead of calling the number on the back of their medical card. Or, individuals may be drawn to an advertisement for an out-of-network treatment program that appears to be the answer to their problem by promising a free flight to their facility or minimal to no charges for their treatment. What may happen instead is:
• Quality – You may not achieve success with rehabilitation or recovery if the out-of-network provider has not been thoroughly assessed for their credentials and the quality of their performance.
• Best Match – You may experience fragmented care with lack of coordination of your overall treatment plan because the out-of-network provider may not have the right background or training for your specific situation.
• Time – Out-of-network providers may not assist you in requesting preauthorization for services or be willing to advocate on your behalf. They do not usually submit claims so you may be responsible for submitting the claims yourself. Additionally, an out-of-network provider may not provide enough information to your insurance company to allow the necessary approvals for the care or payment of the claim.
• Cost – Out-of-network providers may ask you to guarantee payment prior to treatment, usually with a credit card. Charges may be incurred for unnecessary tests which will ultimately result in those costs being passed on to you and owed by you.
Who can I contact for assistance?
UBH can be reached anytime, 24/7, at their toll-free number (866) 850-6212, or through their interactive website www.liveandworkwell.com (use access code: Railroad). You will be connected to a trained specialist who will help identify the nature of the problem and find the right resources for you. Rest assured that all records are kept strictly confidential in accordance with state and federal laws and are never shared with your employer, another family member, or anyone else without your permission.
(This is informational only, not a replacement for the medical advice of your physician.)
You can download and print UBH’s flyer on this subject here.