Good news for those seeking accessible mental healthcare: Brightside Health, a leading provider of telemental health services, has announced major partnerships with Medicare, Blues plans, and CareOregon. This expansion will allow millions of new individuals to access high-quality, convenient mental health treatment.
Previously partnered with Optum, Lucet, and others, Brightside has now added CareOregon, Blue Shield of California, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX), Centene, and traditional Medicare to its network. This diverse mix ensures broad coverage, encompassing both Medicaid and Medicare Advantage members.
“These partnerships will provide access to life-saving mental health care for millions more people,” said Brad Kittredge, co-founder and CEO of Brightside Health. “We are scaling quickly to ensure access to high-quality, measurably better mental health treatment.”
The expansion addresses a critical need, as research shows higher rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among Medicaid members compared to those with private insurance. Additionally, 25% of Medicare beneficiaries experience mental illness.
By leveraging telemedicine, Brightside offers appointments within two days, removing geographical and scheduling barriers. This is particularly crucial for individuals experiencing urgent mental health needs.
“Brightside Health’s telemental health platform enhances psychiatric service accessibility, particularly for individuals who need access to high-quality medication services and urgent care for individuals with suicidal thoughts,” said Adam Proctor, plan president and CEO at Nebraska Total Care, a Centene affiliate.
This move comes on the heels of Brightside reaching 50 million covered lives through Medicare and Medicaid in October 2023, doubling its overall reach. With these new partnerships, Brightside is poised to make a significant impact on mental health access across the nation.
