Predeductible Coverage and Receipt of Telemental Health Visits

In a study examining the impact of reintroducing cost sharing for telemental health visits, researchers observed significant changes in patient utilization patterns. Conducted across all US states and the District of Columbia, the study focused on patients receiving care from Included Health, a national telehealth provider, under varying coverage conditions. During the preintervention phase (January to June 2021), all patients experienced no cost sharing for telehealth visits. However, starting July 2021, one client reintroduced cost sharing, while the other continued offering free telehealth services. The analysis revealed that reintroducing cost sharing led to a decrease in both the average number of telemental health visits per patient and the proportion of patients receiving any visits postintervention. These findings underscore potential implications for mental health service utilization as policies governing predeductible telehealth coverage exemptions evolve.