Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is proposing a policy change that could dramatically reduce access to mental health care for thousands of Michigan residents. We are calling on BCBSM to reverse this decision and protect access to quality mental health care for all Michiganders.

What are the proposed changes?

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has announced planned policy changes that would no longer allow limited licensed mental health providers to bill under supervision in professional settings effective March 1, 2027. This is done through billing 'in incident to' a supervising clinician. 

What does this mean?

If implemented, this policy would prevent limited licensed counselors, social workers, and psychologists from being reimbursed by BCBS for the services they provide in places like group practices, non-profits and private practice (essentially anywhere outside of a hospital or facility setting). 

As the largest health insurer in Michigan, BCBSM's decision would have far-reaching consequences for both providers and the people who rely on their care. 

Who will be impacted?

Michigan Residents Seeking Mental Health Care: 

Michigan is already experiencing a record demand for mental health services. Many individuals and families face long wait times and difficulty finding available providers. Eliminating reimbursement options for limited licensed mental health professionals would significantly reduce the number of clinicians available to serve Michiganders, making it even harder to access timely care.

The impact would be especially severe in rural and underserved communities, where mental health facility resources are already limited. Fewer available providers in professional settings means fewer affordable treatment options and greater barriers to care for those who need support the most.

Early Career Mental Health Professionals 

This policy would also place a substantial financial burden on early-career counselors, social workers, and psychologists. These professionals are not students. They have earned a master's degree and have been licensed by the state of Michigan to provide essential behavioral health services to the public under supervision. 

Many carry significant student loan debt and have already completed extensive unpaid internships as part of their training. Removing reimbursement for their services could leave thousands of qualified professionals unable to earn a sustainable income during the two to three years required to achieve full licensure.

Why This Matters

Mental health care is not a luxury—it is a necessity.

Limited licensed mental health professionals play a critical role in addressing Michigan's behavioral health needs. Under professional supervision, they provide high-quality care to individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and other mental health challenges.

Restricting their ability to provide reimbursable services would reduce access to care, increase wait times, and place additional strain on an already overwhelmed mental health system.

Our Call To Action

We urge Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to reconsider these proposed policy changes and engage with the providers, patients, and communities that will be affected.

There is still time to choose a path that supports access to care, strengthens Michigan's mental health workforce, and protects the well-being of residents across our state.

Sign this petition and join us in calling on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to preserve reimbursement for limited licensed mental health professionals billing 'in incident to' a supervising clinician in professional settings.

Together, we can protect access to affordable, timely, and effective mental health care for all Michiganders.