The Mayo Clinic has brought to light the discrepancies in insurance company reimbursement rates. As difficult a discussion as this is, it is important, and I applaud Mayo for its bravery. As Tice mentioned, the insurance companies have become “inconsistent and inefficient” in their financing systems. Companies such as Medica reimburse mental health professionals, such as myself, at a lower rate than does Medicare. They also reimburse at 50 percent lower rates than do other major carriers such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, HealthPartners and Preferred One. Medica is one company that does not keep pace with industry standards. It has not raised reimbursement rates for psychology in at least 14 years. Inflation has increased; costs for a loaf of bread have increased, and the profit for Medica has increased, but not the payout to providers. That is what Mayo Clinic is bringing to light. We of course want to continue to service all clients, but we also need to hold insurance companies and their executives accountable. Bravo, Mayo!
Kerry Anderson, Plymouth
StarTribune, April 2, 2017