Alliance Note: We applaud Governor Kathy Hochul and the State of New York for taking critical steps toward improving access to mental health services through these new network adequacy regulations. These regulations are an important move in ensuring that New Yorkers receive the timely care they need, with requirements for appointments to be provided within 10 business days of a request and within 7 days following hospital discharge. Additionally, by mandating that insurers cover out-of-network providers when appointments cannot be scheduled within these timeframes, the state is prioritizing patient access over insurance limitations—a significant and necessary change.
While these regulatory changes are a strong first step, we must also address the root cause of long wait times: the capacity of our community-based providers and their workforce. The Alliance for Rights and Recovery continues to call for a 7.8% rate enhancement to support these critical providers. Increased investment in our agencies and workforce is essential to meet the growing demand for mental health and substance use services. Without bolstering our community-based providers, we risk continued long wait times simply because agencies do not have enough staff to handle increased service demands.
On March 4th, the Alliance, in collaboration with InUnity Alliance and the Association for Community Living, will host a large rally during our Legislative Day to advocate for these much-needed investments. It is imperative that we support the dedicated professionals on the front lines of mental health care, ensuring they receive fair wages and resources to sustain the vital work they do. Register for a free bus to our legislative day using this link: Bus Registration
We urge state leaders to pair these new regulations with robust financial investments in our mental health system. Only then can we build a responsive and effective network of care that meets the needs of all New Yorkers.
Hochul Releases New Regulations Aimed at Slashing Mental Health Service Wait Times
By Katelyn Cordero and Maya Kaufman | Politico | February 27, 2025
New York is rolling out new regulations for behavioral health services aiming to shorten wait times and eliminate certain hurdles to access, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday.
The new network adequacy regulations will standardize wait times with a requirement that an appointment be provided within 10 business days of the request and seven days of a hospital discharge. If an appointment can’t be provided, insurers must cover an out-of-network provider.
Insurers must also update their provider directories and include information such as affiliations and restrictions to the provider’s scope of practice. Additionally, they will be required to submit proof of compliance to the state Department of Financial Services and the state Department of Health.
“Network adequacy is about making sure third-party payers have enough health care providers to meet their patient’s needs,” state Health Commissioner James McDonald said in a statement. “These regulations will help New Yorkers who too often wait weeks or even months for an initial appointment for mental health or substance use disorder treatment.”
Insurers have until July 1 before the new regulations go into effect. Commercial health insurance plans, Medicaid managed care plans, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan will all be required to comply with the new rules.