U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) recently introduced legislation that she says would improve access to mental health care.
The bill would crack down on inaccurate healthcare provider listings or “ghost networks,” and create stronger enforcement standards to protect those seeking mental health care.
“Ghost networks” are described as the lists of mental health providers in insurance company directories that another sponsor of the bill, Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), says are “almost useless.”
These providers are listed as in-network options but are either not accepting patients or are no longer in-network, creating logistical and financial barriers for patients.
Listen to the full interview with Sen. Tina Smith here:
