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Barriers to health have long existed for Latinos due to numerous factors, including economic concerns, and a lack of access. Often times, Latinos have not been able to get the treatments that they need for many serious medical conditions, especially mental or behavioral issues. A new policy from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) looks to help ease this burden.
CMS has adopted a new policy on “Collaborative Care,” adding behavioral health care management and consultations with a mental health specialist to primary care. It will now be easier for all patients to get all of the treatment that they need. Collaborative Care, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, has been found to improve quality of care, patient satisfaction, and both physical and mental health outcomes.
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Until now, it has been difficult for primary care providers to offer Collaborative Care due to insurance reasons. This new policy may increase the number of health care providers who offer behavioral health care to their Medicare clients and improve access to high-quality care for patients across the country.
It is believed that there are currently only about 10% of patients with depression receive appropriate mental health care when visiting their primary health care provider. Medicare’s new payment program may also encourage private insurance companies to offer similar payment options for integrating behavioral health care with primary care visits.
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By The Numbers
25.1
percent
of Latinos remain without health insurance coverage
