The (not so) surprising need for behavioral health support for people with MSK concerns

By: Sheila Weiss, AVP, Group Claims and Clinical Services, Sun Life; Jonathan Kemp, Director, Life and Disability Product Management, Sun Life

We appreciate the importance of Disability Insurance Awareness and Mental Health Awareness month. These observances intersect in highlighting the value of mental health coverage and support through disability insurance plans. However, mental health is a relevant topic to recognize year-round. As product and claims leaders for one of North America’s largest insurance carriers, we are especially proud to be part of a team turning over a new leaf on mental health in America.

Last year, Sun Life announced clinical intervention support delivered in partnership with Goodpath. The whole-person care program was offered to members receiving disability benefits for musculoskeletal (back/neck pain) reasons (other eligibility criteria apply). Early results indicate participants experienced reduced anxiety and depression when getting whole-person care from Goodpath, which addresses physical and mental health together. This includes a range of treatment modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mind-body interventions such as Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR).

We are excited about these results. Without providing integrated mental health help, these members may have delayed or never sought mental health care.

We had long seen the body-mind connection play out in disability claimant experiences and return to work readiness. We know from the American Psychiatric Association that “chronic pain and mental health disorders often occur together. In fact, research suggests that chronic pain and mental health problems can contribute to and exacerbate the other.”

While mental health parity in America still has a long way to go, there is increased attention on the need for mental health support. Mental health access in the form of traditional in-person visits is challenged. According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, “the average wait time for behavioral health services average about six weeks” which can increase upwards to 3 months if a person is looking for treatment for a specific mental health condition.” Despite this, not everyone who needs support actively wants to meet face-to-face visits with a mental health provider.

In fact, up to 73% of Goodpath members across their book of business participate in online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy while managing their physical condition. Online CBT is best suited for mild to moderate cases of anxiety and depression, it has the advantages of convenience, privacy, the ability to progress at your own pace, and as is the case for the Sun Life clinical intervention program, no out-of-pocket cost.

According to LIMRA research, “75% of workers say they have experienced at least one mental health challenge either ‘sometimes’ or ‘often’ during the past year, with 37% struggling with mental health issues ‘often.’”

Any of us can have anxiety, depression or other mental health diagnoses affecting the way we think about ourselves, others, and the world around us. Together, we can normalize the conversation around mental health and reduce the stigma. One way to start is to build a workplace mental wellness strategy, designed to help individuals whether they are healthy and at work, at work and needing support, off work and recovering, or planning for a sustained return to work.

In December, Dan Fishbein, M.D., president of Sun Life U.S., released a statement in support of the ERISA Advisory Council's recommendation that Congress pass legislation to require mental health parity in long-term disability insurance.

In all states except New York, group insurance policies are underwritten by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, MA). In New York, group insurance policies are underwritten by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, MI).

DIPJ-10066        #1397084648  6/24 (exp. 6/26)