The governor of Pennsylvania says his administration has heard numerous stories of addicts whose treatment has been hindered due to lack of information. The administration contends that insurance companies aren't able to get the information they need in order to approve payment for necessary treatment.

"'We have a system where one (service) provider is not allowed to talk to another,' Health Secretary Dr. Calvin Johnson said. 'The system is not working in the best interest of the client.' The administration's proposed solution, a set of Health Department rule changes undergoing a lengthy review, is to provide a wider range of information to insurers, governments and other entities that pay for health care."

Some critics of the proposed changes, however, worry that increased sharing of information could violate client confidentiality rules and stop some addicts from seeking treatment. Read more at PhillyBurbs.com.

Labels: addicts, insurance, treatment

On Thursday, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania ruled that insurance companies must cover drug and alcohol treatment costs for policy holders who were referred by a doctor or psychologists. The ruling solidifies a 1989 state law which required insurance companies to cover these types of treatment services.

"Aetna, Independence Blue Cross, the Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania and other managed care groups sued the state Insurance Department, arguing that insurers should be allowed to review drug and alcohol treatment referrals to keep costs down and make sure treatment is appropriate."

The court, however, determined that treatment which is prescribed by a doctor or psychologist needs no review. Some argue that this ruling will drive up health care costs, while others call it a 'life-saving law'. Read more at HeraldStandard.com.

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Labels: insurance, rehab, treatment