Warren makes point on disparities in insurance coverage for physical and mental health

[spooky3]

1. One big difference the article doesn't mention

At least in my metro area, according to a counselor I know, in-network reimbursement rates aren’t high enough even to cover her office expenses and malpractice premiums, let alone pay her salary. So, very few good, experienced providers agree to be in-network.

As a result, insurance may end up paying only about half of the cost of counselors, with the client paying the rest. So many simply can’t afford it and don’t get needed help.


Unlike GPs, counselors have to give their clients their full attention for the 45 minute or so sessions, then do paperwork. GPs can delegate a lot of work to lower paid receptionists, billing people, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. So counselors really can’t cut expenses much.