Health insurers in the U.S. are expanding behavioral health services both through coverage and support of telemedicine applications. Psychological and psychiatric interventions are very important cornerstones for successful adult and family life. The main focus has been on employer-funded plans due to their ability to manage the budget impact. Should these services expand to Medicare, Medicaid, and health exchange plans, the changes to quality of life and other societal impacts would likely be seen. Not only does it lead to employment of more counselers, administrative roles, but also raises the potential for uses of big data again. The inference then becomes that in addition to job creation or career mobility at health insurance companies, a greater propulation receiving these services will be guided to more appropriate treatments and be more satisfied with their quality of life.
If health insurers begin to compensate more services and manage the price increases from drugs and medical services will they still have financial and negotiating agility for new and innovative therapies? If so, are the implied increase on premiums to employees and others warranted? This will be the focus of future research.