Simon F. Haeder, PhD, MPA

A secret shopper survey (N = 8306) in Pennsylvania’s Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace found inconsistencies between carrier regulatory filings and provider directories, frequent inaccuracies in regulatory filings, and challenges in securing timely appointments.

Rural marketplace rating area change in Texas did not increase enrollment but increased share of enrollment in gold plans.

This study found widespread instances of disconnect in online provider directories between information needed by patients and data availability.

Relying on a 2-stage secret shopper survey, the authors found that inaccuracies in provider directories often persisted for well over 1 year.

The authors assessed what attributes make provider networks adequate in the eyes of consumers, including travel times, inclusive care, and language access.

Some of the nation’s strictest provider network regulations have led to neither high rates of provider directory accuracy nor timely access to mental health care.