We, Alma mental health providers, are in agreement that the policy regarding clawbacks and deductions needs to be changed otherwise many of us are considering terminating the contract. There are other companies that NEVER charge providers for administrative denials or when cl does not pay their copay. Several of us experienced clawbacks and deductions as a result of administrative denials such as wrong information about the client's benefits. Several of us voiced concerns via emails and town hall meetings and nothing has been done up to date. We value other aspects such as client matching and referrals and being able to see clients in secondary states. We would like to continue our membership however we cannot continue if the policy regarding clawbacks and deductions will remain the same. 

Our proposal to Alma is that you charge clients directly using autopay in the case of denials. Alma should NOT charge providers as we are paying a monthly fee SPECIFICALLY to not have to deal with insurance companies' denials. 

In addition, we are not getting the referrals that we have been promised. 

Alma's mission is to advocate for providers and with this policy, you are making our work more stressful as the primary reason we signed with Alma is to avoid dealing with stress related to insurance denials and verification of benefits. In addition, clients might be disadvantaged if we terminate our membership with Alma. As we know, we are experiencing mental health pandemic so you are basically preventing clients from getting the care that they need! 

It is another issue if the provider did not follow MNC and has poor medical records however in case of administrative denials and incorrect benefits verification Alma needs to handle this and coordinate obtaining payment from clients. This policy goes against the reason for the very existence of the company in some ways.

Please reconsider this policy and work together to serve our communities,