Bill > S4023

This bill, the Behavioral Health Network and Directory Improvement Act, aims to further protect patients and improve the accuracy of provider directory information by eliminating "ghost networks." Key provisions include: 1. Requiring health plans to ensure their provider directories comply with new standards developed by federal agencies to help participants identify actively participating providers. 2. Establishing new requirements for health plans to report directory data, conduct annual independent audits, and be subject to audits by the government. 3. Defining "ghost network" and directing federal agencies to issue regulations on assessing and addressing them. 4. Strengthening mental health and substance use disorder parity requirements, including issuing regulations on network adequacy standards and parity in reimbursement rates. 5. Providing grants to states and tribes to establish ombudsman programs to assist consumers with mental health and substance use disorder coverage issues. 6. Requiring regular reports to Congress on the prevalence of ghost networks and the adequacy of mental health and substance use disorder networks.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/4023/all-info