State Secretary Blokhuis considers the agreements between mental health care institutions, mental health care and health insurers “a step in the right direction”.
Blokhuis instructed mental health care and insurers to come up with a plan at the end of January to help patients with complex mental health problems and quickly remove them from the waiting list. Many ‘heavy’ patients are now excluded, for example because they have multiple conditions for which the mental health care institutions cannot offer them specific help.
GGZ Nederland and the insurers have now agreed that patients with very complex problems will receive priority treatment. A “national comprehensive network” of healthcare providers and insurers will be launched next month especially for this group. The approach is led by major mental healthcare providers. If a suitable offer has been found or newly set up, the health insurer will provide financing.
Can’t explain
According to Blokhuis, the plan is a step that “needed to be taken”. The State Secretary finds it impossible to explain that people with the most serious mental and social problems have to wait the longest for the care they need. He will critically monitor the implementation of the agreements: “I listen to representatives of the patients to hear whether the measures actually make a difference.” He also wants to continue talking to providers and insurers to adjust the approach if necessary.
Blokhuis acknowledges that the financial risks for healthcare organizations are sometimes great. He wants the burden to be better shared and the risks to be contained. According to the Secretary of State, the group of very complex cases consists of 250 to 300 people.
Charlotte Bouwman disappointed
Blokhuis issued his appeal in January after conversations with people who have been waiting for care for a long time. Among them is Charlotte Bouwman, the woman who started an action in the hall of the ministry.
Bouwman today reacts disappointed to the agreements. She is not confident that there will be enough supply. “I do not read in the plan that there is too little supply for these groups and that that offer is now guaranteed. I had hoped and expected that. My mouth is open that we will now work with tables again and consult again.” Bouwman will continue with her action, but probably no longer in the hall of the ministry due to the corona crisis.
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