Leveraging research for health insurance coverage of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: insights from policy makers, patients and practitioners.
Ariana M Albanese, Hannah E Frank, Margaret E Crane, Frances B Saadeh, Blair T Johnson, Eric B Loucks
Evidence & policy : a journal of research, debate and practice April 4, 2025 DOI: 10.1332/17442648Y2025D000000052 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Key informants including policy makers, health insurers, healthcare administrators, clinicians, MBSR students/patients, and teachers |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Integrated knowledge translation Mindfulness coverage Health insurance policy |
| Key findings | Research is frequently integrated into coverage decisions across roles, but participants also weigh other factors, and they prioritize information on MBSR's worthiness as a treatment and clearer definitions of the service and its coverage. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a well-studied treatment that health insurers typically do not cover in the United States. To understand how research can best support efforts towards coverage, researchers must partner with individuals who occupy diverse roles within a health system (for example, policy makers and practitioners). We sought to understand from key informants (policy makers, health insurers, healthcare administrators, clinicians, MBSR students/patients and teachers): the barriers/facilitators of MBSR coverage, how they use research to make decisions, and which research outcomes they find most important. We also sought to understand whether perspectives for individuals with direct policy influence differed from those without. We conducted qualitative interviews informed by the SPIRIT Action Framework with a role-diverse advisory group. Data were analysed using a rapid data condensation approach. Responses of those with and without direct policy-making influence were generally aligned. Research was framed as important to coverage decisions. When considering coverage decisions, participants reported wanting information about: (1) MBSR's worthiness as a covered treatment (is it 'good', usable and a sound financial investment?) and (2) a clearer definition of the service and its coverage. Barriers were identified related to both the billing code being created as well as being used, although MBSR's ability to address the policy priority of mental health in an un-stigmatising way could facilitate coverage. Participants also recommended next steps to advance the case for coverage. Our findings suggest that research is frequently integrated into decision making across roles, though other factors are weighed in coverage decisions.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 9
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
- A Scoping Review of Culturally Adapted Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Communities of Color. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine February 1, 2025
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Chronic Pain Management in the Community Pharmacy Setting: A Cross-Sectional Survey of the General Public's Knowledge and Perceptions. Pharmacy September 21, 2023
- Building a More Diverse and Inclusive Science: Mindfulness-Based Approaches for Latinx Individuals. Mindfulness March 8, 2022
- Mindfulness-Based Programs: Why, When, and How to Adapt? Global Advances in Health and Medicine 2022
and 4 more in the library