Raising Awareness for Mental Health Month
May 9, 2017 · NCQA Communications
Why should we raise awareness for Mental Health? A glance at the statistics reveals mental health is a growing concern. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2015, there were an estimated 43.4 million adults aged 18 or older in the United States with Any Mental Illness (AMI) within the past year. This number represented 17.9% of all U.S. adults.
Raising Awareness for Mental Health Month
What Is Mental Health?
Mental health is defined by our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. And it impacts every facet of our lives; affecting how we think, feel, and act. How we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices are also impacted by mental health.
Raising Awareness
Throughout May, people across the country are raising awareness for mental health. This a time when people and organizations from around the country come together to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for equal care.
Health Plans Rated Highest in Mental and Behavioral Health
It’s important to know that your health plan is taking the right steps in caring for patients. Do you know how well your health plan rates in mental and behavioral health? NCQA compares health plans and rates them according to their performance and care using quality measures.
Of the more than 1,400 health plans rated in 2016, the commercial plans below had the highest scores for mental and behavioral health and had an overall health plan ratings score of 5:
- Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc.
- Tufts Associated Health Maintenance Organization, Inc.
- Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. – Northern California
- Capital Health Plan, Inc.
Mental health problems are common but help is available. People with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely.
Here are some additional resources:
Please use social media to share this message: #MentalHealth
