Michigan Blue Cross Blue Shield Mental Health Provider Options

Not only do I have BCBS through my husband's employer, I am also a LPC. I have been working to get credentialed through many insurance companies and just recently became aware of the disheartening news that BCBS will not accept my discipline. This is incredibly unfortunate for my area. I live in a very rural northeastern county in Michigan where we have very few providers. I have calls weekly for people looking for services that have BCBS that I have to turn away as they cannot afford out of pocket costs. This is sad and unfair for these individuals who cannot access services close to their homes.

Not only do I have BCBS through my husband's employer, I am also a LPC. I have been working to get credentialed through many insurance companies and just recently became aware of the disheartening news that BCBS will not accept my discipline. This is incredibly unfortunate for my area. I live in a very rural northeastern county in Michigan where we have very few providers. I have calls weekly for people looking for services that have BCBS that I have to turn away as they cannot afford out of pocket costs. This is sad and unfair for these individuals who cannot access services close to their homes.

This is truly unfortunate to not only all LPC's such as myself, but the BCBSM members. I've spoken with many members who wished to seek mental health services but could not afford to pay even a reduced fee out of pocket. This is especially frustrating for members and providers in rural areas as LMSWs and PhDs can be limited or have waiting lists that are MONTHS long. How many people have to suffer before LPCs can be included? Furthermore, how has a lawsuit not surfaced? What is the benefit for continuing to exclude LPCs and LMFTs?

This is truly unfortunate to not only all LPC's such as myself, but the BCBSM members. I've spoken with many members who wished to seek mental health services but could not afford to pay even a reduced fee out of pocket. This is especially frustrating for members and providers in rural areas as LMSWs and PhDs can be limited or have waiting lists that are MONTHS long. How many people have to suffer before LPCs can be included? Furthermore, how has a lawsuit not surfaced? What is the benefit for continuing to exclude LPCs and LMFTs?

This situation is absurd. BCBSM literature does not make is exclusion of LPCs clear and my family is very upset to learn about this after the fact.

This situation is absurd. BCBSM literature does not make is exclusion of LPCs clear and my family is very upset to learn about this after the fact.

I have earned a PhD in counseling and have worked in the field for 24 years. My qualifications are equal to any other mental health professional. The training of Licensed Professional Counselors is comprehensive and exceeds what is expected of MSW and LLP providers. The practice of BCBS is discrimination.

I have earned a PhD in counseling and have worked in the field for 24 years. My qualifications are equal to any other mental health professional. The training of Licensed Professional Counselors is comprehensive and exceeds what is expected of MSW and LLP providers. The practice of BCBS is discrimination.

As an employer / owner of a group mental health practice, I offer insurance coverage to my employees, who are LPs, LPCs, LLPCs and LMSWs. How can I justify offering to provide BCBS coverage to my therapists when BCBS refuses to reimburse services provided by my L/LPCs? I cannot in good faith support BCBS if they refuse to support my providers, and so I offer alternative plans. Further, as far as I know, Michigan is the only state in which BCBS still does not cover L/LPCs. This needs to change.

As an employer / owner of a group mental health practice, I offer insurance coverage to my employees, who are LPs, LPCs, LLPCs and LMSWs. How can I justify offering to provide BCBS coverage to my therapists when BCBS refuses to reimburse services provided by my L/LPCs? I cannot in good faith support BCBS if they refuse to support my providers, and so I offer alternative plans. Further, as far as I know, Michigan is the only state in which BCBS still does not cover L/LPCs. This needs to change.

LPC And LLP s. are Highly qualified master level mental health providers Many of which for the most part have attended rigorous CACREP accredited programs and should be allowed the same consideration as LMS W' By allowing them to become credentialed Blue Cross Blue Shield providers

We need to allow LPC into all areas for servicing clinets under BCBS.

BCBS of Michigan is a great insurance to have as a carrier. As a provider, I am frustrated with their biased preferential treatment. I have worked with many LMSW's and LLP's. I do not hold my license in higher regard than theirs nor do they with mine. It should be a level playing field. If one is accepted, they all should be. What does one have over the other? It is time to stop the political preferential treatment of one license over the other and allow LPC's and LLP's to be providers.

How can political interest groups able to prevent highly qualified individuals provide services to clients? Enough with the monopolies! This is a form of discrimination.

I am a current BCBSM customer who would like to have outpatient mental health services covered by LPC's.

It is true, BCBS accepts and allows LPC's credentialing as independent providers in each state, besides Michigan. I agree, the political powers within Michigan need to address this issue.

Why is Michigan Blue Cross Blue Shield being allowed to deny LPC s admittance to BCBS of Michigan when all other states do so? Who is allowing this to happen ?

LPC's are highly trained and skilled counselors. Clients looking for choice need LPC's to be listed as an option for counseling. This is much needed!

LPC's have an expertise in counseling, which is their concentration. Successful client outcomes can occur with skilled counselors.

This is necessary. L.P.C.'s are skilled in the art of counseling. We have wonderful results with our clients.