# Summary of S. 4023: Behavioral Health Network and Directory Improvement Act
This bill addresses "ghost networks"—health insurance provider directories that contain inaccurate or outdated information—and strengthens mental health and substance use disorder coverage. It requires health plans and insurers to maintain accurate provider directories by verifying information every 90 days and submitting data annually to federal agencies starting three years after enactment. Plans must also conduct independent annual audits examining directory accuracy, provider availability, and network adequacy, with results posted publicly. The legislation defines a ghost network as a plan with widespread inaccurate contact information, providers not accepting new patients, listed providers who aren't actually in-network, or omitted in-network providers.
The bill establishes new national standards for mental health and substance use disorder network adequacy, requiring federal regulations within two to three years that will measure provider-to-patient ratios, wait times, geographic access, and other factors. It also mandates parity in reimbursement rates between mental health and medical services. Additionally, the bill creates $20 million in funding for state and tribal ombudsman programs to help consumers understand their mental health coverage rights and resolve complaints.
Patients who relied on inaccurate directory information and paid out-of-network costs must be notified within 30 days and may receive refunds. Federal agencies will audit at least 10 plans annually and report to Congress every two years on compliance and network adequacy. The legislation takes effect one year after enactment and authorizes approximately $47 million annually for implementation.
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