Ira - Health insurance exists to pay for health care. The providers of health care are responsible for setting the prices. I understand that prices are driven based on reimbursement rates but I think it is unfair to say that insurance companies are the only problem. As my article stated, it is a very complex system. I'm going to be writing a follow up addressing other problems in health care so watch for that.

You are correct about many mental health providers refusing insurance but 90% seems very high. Since the pandemic many telehealth companies have been created to help providers work with insurance companies. This has expanded access to mental health care but there are still inequities based on reimbursement rates.

As a former health insurance employee I feel strongly about access to health care and for that reason I do accept insurance. In fact, I only have 2 cash pay clients. It's a struggle though. Most of my clients have insurers who do not allow me to charge for last minute cancellations or no shows and I only get paid when I provide services so I am constantly trying to balance providing service to underserved populations and also maintaining my income.

Thank you for reading and responding.