From that meeting it was clear that BCBSMN owned not communicating effectively and not taking the concerns and needs of providers into account in their decisions of how to handle two different significant problems that they faced.  The other participants expressed a great many concerns related to their planned changes and how they would impact providers in the short, medium, and long term.  In an hour long meeting of course nothing was decided but it was clear that the rate changes have been rolled back as stated in the letter sent last week.  The overpayment correction remains in place as it was a clear departure above the rate in contracts but BCBSMN was clear that it is their intention to work with providers about how to collect the overpayment in a manner that will not be detrimental to the practices impacted.  It is MPA’s intention to continue to advocate for no return of overpayments as it would be too great a hardship for providers.

As a result of this issue though BCBSMN has committed to meeting with provider representatives, including MPA on a monthly basis to work together to search for solutions to the immediate as well as longer term issues in the provision of Behavioral Health Services.

BCBSMN is not the only third party payer for which there are concerns.  There have been recent changes in the administration of individual therapy codes, most notably the 90837 code, that MPA through its payer committee and leadership is seeking to address.  Addressing these BCBSMN and other concerns takes time and MPA is a volunteer organization.  Typically, the people working for you all at MPA have day jobs and so once again I will encourage you all to consider joining in the process through participation in committees that are the intervention agents at these times of crisis.

If you are interested in helping, please see the website for the relevant committee information.

Steve Girardeau