Direct reimbursement available to eligible therapists and psychologists, beginning June 1

Limited licensed psychologists and licensed marriage and family therapists will have the opportunity to participate in Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Traditional network, starting June 1, 2018. Participating LLPs and LMFTs will receive direct reimbursement for covered mental health services within the scope of their licensure.

Covered mental health services within the LLP and LMFT scope of licensure will be reimbursed at 80 percent of the Traditional practitioner fee schedule, less any member deductibles and copayments.

This change affects Blue Cross benefit plans that cover mental health services that LLPs and LMFTs are licensed to provide.

Note: Not all plans will cover LLP and LMFT services, or services billed directly by an LLP or LMFT. To find out if a patient has coverage, check web-DENIS for member benefits and eligibility, or call the Provider Automated Response System at 1-800-344-8525.

If an LLP or LMFT registers as a nonparticipating provider for Traditional plans, we’ll send payment for covered services to the member.

Starting in March, LLPs and LMFTs can find the Traditional practitioner agreements and enrollment forms on bcbsm.com. Click on Providers, then Join the Blues Network and Enrollment and Changes to find enrollment information. Specific qualification requirements are identified within each agreement. Qualified LLPs and LMFTs may apply for a Blue Cross provider identification number by completing the enrollment applications available on the same web section.

For more information, please contact Provider Inquiry or your Blue Cross provider consultant.