The Path Forward for Mental Health and Substance Use is an initiative begun and supported by the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychiatric Association Foundation Center for Workplace Mental Health, The Jed Foundation and Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute. Northeast Business Group on Health (NEBGH) created a multi-stakeholder steering committee and work groups to leverage the influence of our employer members in working with health plans, health systems, medical and behavioral health groups, consultants, and community organizations to combat this public health crisis.
NEBGH has been collecting data and engaging employer members to meet the goals embodied in the Path Forward initiative including supporting mental health parity, and expanding access to affordable, high quality in-network care, tele-behavioral care, measurement-based care, and collaborative care. During the course of this 5-year project, NEBGH is providing education, information and guidance, including data, policy and action-oriented materials, to support employers in health plan negotiations and discussion with vendors. We’ve conducted frequent workshops and webinars with clinicians and thought leaders so employers can hear first-hand about issues and potential solutions.
Tools and resources we’ve distributed include:
- Well Gauge – a new comprehensive survey tool for employers to assess their organizations’ progress in creating a culture of mental wellness. To date, more than 170 employers have participated in using this tool, and media have covered our initial results.
- Measurement-Based Care Checklist – questions consumers can ask their providers about what tools and methods they use to guide treatment and track progress.
- Measurement-Based Care (MBC) Fact Sheet – key components and benefits of MBC and action steps employers can take in working with their health plans to require standardized measures.
- Tele-behavioral Mental Healthcare Talking Points – information employers can use in educating employees and family members about the documented benefits of virtual care.
- Tele-behavioral Mental Healthcare Checklist – a brief guide employers can use in exercising leverage with health plans, benefit consultants and vendors to ensure expanded access to virtual care.
- Webinar Recordings and Decks – evergreen resources distributed periodically and available on our website to provide essential information to employers on programs, policies, legislation and regulation so they can adhere accordingly.
- Voice of the Purchaser Survey – in partnership with national leaders and other regional coalitions, we collected substantive data and experiences from our employers about access to mental healthcare though health plan networks and additional point solutions. Results were shared with health plans and vendors, and media; the latter resulted in significant press attention.
