Three of the nation's largest health insurers have announced expanded telehealth coverage for behavioral health services, effective immediately. UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, and Aetna will now cover unlimited virtual therapy sessions and psychiatric consultations without prior authorization requirements.
The policy changes come in response to growing demand for mental health services and persistent shortages of in-person providers in rural and underserved areas. Industry data shows that telehealth behavioral health visits have increased by 140 percent since 2023.
Patient advocacy groups have welcomed the expansion but are calling for additional measures, including parity in reimbursement rates between telehealth and in-person visits. State regulators in several states are also considering mandates to ensure all insurers follow suit.
