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Blue Cross and Blue Shield Make History with Mental Health Parity Accreditation

In a groundbreaking move for mental health care in the United States, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, alongside Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, has proudly announced their achievement in earning the URAC’s prestigious Mental Health/Substance Use Disorder (MH/SUD) Parity Accreditation. This milestone not only marks them as the first organizations in the nation to secure this accreditation but also underlines their commitment to enhancing access to mental health services and promoting equity in behavioral health coverage.

URAC, recognized as the leading independent accreditor of health care, has created this unique program in response to the significant need for standardized and enforced mental health regulations. The MHPAEA (Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act) has been in place for over a decade, yet many health plans struggle to comply fully with its requirements. URAC’s accreditation aims to help health plans like Blue Cross Blue Shield demonstrate their commitment to surpassing basic compliance and adopting best practices in behavioral health care.

Dr. Brett Hart, Vice President of Behavioral Health and Mental Health Parity at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, stated, "This accreditation reflects our deep commitment to making behavioral health care as accessible for our members as any other form of care. By earning URAC’s Mental Health Parity Accreditation, we are demonstrating to our members, provider partners, and the broader community that we are going beyond regulatory requirements to achieve the highest national standards available."

Echoing this sentiment, Lacey Bergh, Senior Vice President of Health Delivery at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, expressed pride in their team's efforts, stating, "It is a tremendous achievement to be one of the first health plans to achieve full URAC accreditation for Mental Health Parity. This accomplishment reflects our entire team’s dedication to providing members with access to important behavioral health services and reinforces our commitment to improving health outcomes across the communities we serve."

The announcement emphasizes the significance of equitable mental health coverage within health insurance plans. Despite the federal parity law’s long-standing implementation, challenges persist in ensuring consistent access and quality care. This accreditation provides a clear framework for health plans to follow, ensuring accountability in mental health treatment which is often overlooked compared to physical health services.

URAC President and CEO, Dr. Shawn Griffin, highlighted the need for clarity and structure in compliance saying, "Even though many different plans exist, parity remains variable in how it is interpreted and enforced. Our accreditation program brings much-needed national consistency. We commend Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and North Dakota for leading in this vital aspect of health care, even as regulatory landscapes continue to change."

With the evolution of parity regulations, obtaining URAC’s Mental Health Parity Accreditation is a step forward for any health organization that is serious about enhancing their behavioral health strategy. This recognition underscores the gradual shift in the industry towards accountable and consistent mental health coverage that meets the growing needs of the population.

To learn more about URAC's groundbreaking Mental Health Parity Accreditation, visit www.urac.org.

About URAC

Organized as an independent nonprofit for 35 years, URAC focuses on raising standards across the healthcare sector with rigorous, evidence-based accreditation programs that ensure high-quality patient care. Their mission extends from health equity to supporting various sectors, including telehealth and pharmacies, thereby addressing diverse health care needs across the board.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota has actively worked for over 90 years to provide its nearly 3 million members access to quality care. Similarly, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota was founded with the aim of offering affordable healthcare across the state since 1940. Both organizations exhibit a steadfast commitment to innovative care solutions and access to necessary medical services, ensuring that every member receives the quality treatment they deserve.