Anthem: Important Information Regarding Behavioral Health and Wellness Screenings
Based on California mandate AB 2556, Anthem will be including important information on behavioral health and wellness screenings in their Notice of Privacy Practices to members this July.
Below is the language in the notice members will receive:
A behavioral health and wellness screening is a screening, test, or assessment to identify indicators or symptoms of behavioral health issues in an individual, including but not limited to depression or anxiety. Included as part of your routine healthcare, these behavioral health and wellness screenings are especially beneficial for younger family members. Children and adolescents aged 8 to 18 have behavioral health and wellness screenings covered by their health care service plan or insurance policy.
Typically, your child’s primary care physician (PCP) will ask a standard set of questions to gauge mood, thinking, memory, and behavior, looking for symptoms of mental health conditions.* If you or your child’s PCP suggests further assessment, the PCP may suggest connecting with a mental health professional or they may discuss coming up with a treatment plan. If you seek therapy, you can search for an in-network therapist by logging into anthem.com/ca or the Sydney Health app and using the Find Care feature.
Mental health screenings play a vital role in overall well-being at every age. Symptoms of mental health issues may indicate underlying physical conditions, and some mental disorders can heighten the risk of physical health problems. By catching issues early, your child's overall functioning and quality of life can significantly improve following early intervention. In addition, behavioral health and wellness screenings can initiate an open conversation on the importance of mental health, particularly for common mental disorders and behavioral health issues like depression and anxiety.*
If you have any questions, please reach out to your Anthem representative.
* MedlinePlus: Mental Health Screening (accessed January 2025): medlineplus.gov.