A Free Webinar Presented by The Kennedy Forum

November 23, 12-1pm ET

Description

A federal court recently ruled that United Behavioral Health (UBH), the largest managed behavioral health care company in the country, must reprocess nearly 67,000 originally denied mental health and substance use disorder benefit claims using medical necessity criteria developed by nonprofit clinical specialty associations—among other mandatory actions. This is a major step forward in stopping discrimination against those with mental health and substance use disorders. Wrongful denials of care coverage have not only been detrimental to individuals across the country, often forcing families to take drastic measures to cover treatment costs out of pocket or forgo care altogether, they have also become a burden on society. Untreated mental health and substance use disorders contribute to historic rates of suicides and overdoses, in addition to homelessness and violent encounters with the criminal justice system. As the nation struggles to cope amid a myriad of challenges in 2020—the COVID-19 pandemic, racial injustices, political divisiveness, and more—better access to mental health and addiction treatment is critical. How can we ensure the lessons of Wit extend beyond the courtroom into federal and state policy, health care coverage, and more? Join three experts in this FREE webinar to unpack ramifications of the landmark ruling and explore what’s on the horizon.

Moderator

David Lloyd, senior policy advisor, The Kennedy Forum

Panelists

Former U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, founder of The Kennedy Forum; D. Brian Hufford, partner at Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, plaintiffs’ counsel, Wit v. United Behavioral Health; and Joe Parks, M.D., medical director of National Council for Behavioral Health

View a recording of the webinar here. (Password: Qja7JvMd)