Brightline changes impact behavioral solution for children

Brightline, the vendor that supports the Premera Behavioral Health Solution for Children, recently announced that it will drastically change its business model. These changes resulted in a significant reduction in service availability.

Key dates and information for you to know:

• After December 31, 2024, Brightline will no longer offer therapy or psychiatry in 45 states. The Connect platform and coaching services will be permanently discontinued in all 50 states.
• The limited geography for virtual therapy includes Washington, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
• Brightline will not accept new patient intakes beginning November 1, 2024.
• Effective January 1, 2025, intakes will only be accepted for virtual therapy in the limited geography.

Key details for groups to know:

• No new sales of Brightline, effective immediately.
• Groups can retain Brightline as a custom network contracted provider for virtual therapy and psychiatry services in a limited geography only. There are no fees applicable to the group should they choose this option. Brightline will use standard provider systems to determine eligibility.
• Groups who added Brightline for the first time with effective dates from October 1 to December 1 will not be implemented with Brightline unless they choose to retain Brightline as a custom network contracted provider. Then, members may seek services beginning January 1, 2025. Brightline will use standard provider systems to determine eligibility.
• All groups will receive an updated rate exhibit and new contract or amendment, dependent on their renewal date.
• We’ll still support clients who have already submitted decisions for the upcoming plan year that would like to keep the Brightline program in its new form.

Member communications

Members who have engaged with Brightline providers or the Brightline platform will receive a letter with an update on the changes.  The group’s decision to maintain or discontinue Brightline will determine which letter the member receives.