PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a severe mental condition. It can interfere with a person’s ability to lead a happy life. Around 13 million people in the United States had PTSD in 2020. Is PTSD treatment in Florida covered by Medicare? Or would you have to pay for this treatment out of your pocket? Learn more about using Medicare to help with mental health treatment.
Understanding PTSD
PTSD is a serious form of anxiety. It occurs after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. A person may develop this condition after being in a car accident, watching someone die, and experiencing something equally troubling. Many people may also develop this condition after being in a war or a natural disaster. PTSD can be a temporary problem for some people, while it can be ongoing for others.
PTSD is characterized by various symptoms that make it hard to function and lead an everyday life. Common PTSD symptoms include experiencing flashbacks or intrusive memories of a traumatic event. These flashbacks or memories may occur at random times during the day.
They may also intrude upon a person’s dreams and make sleeping difficult. These intrusive memories may get triggered when seeing something that reminds the person of their trauma. These memories can make it difficult to focus on the present moment.
This inability to focus may get in the way of a person’s work and other responsibilities. Other signs of PTSD include avoidance. There may be a specific place where the traumatic event happened that they would prefer to avoid. This place may trigger flashbacks or painful memories that may cause emotional distress. People may want to avoid talking about the event as well. Talking about the traumatic event may make the individual upset or anxious.
Impact of PTSD
PTSD can also change the way people interact with others. It’s normal to have more negative thoughts about others and be slow to trust others. People typically have strong feelings of depression. PTSD and depression often go hand-in-hand. People who have PTSD may feel that the world is a hopeless and miserable place. They may also think that bad things always happen or that happiness is impossible.
It may be challenging to keep in contact with friends and family members. It can also be difficult to meet new people and form new relationships. PTSD can cause mood swings. Some people may often experience rage and outbursts of anger. Others may instead feel emotionally numb. It can be difficult or impossible for them to find joy in the things that once made them happy. A person with PTSD may always be anxious, tense, and on guard. These intense symptoms can make it hard to focus on simple tasks. It can also make sleeping hard, which may further exacerbate these symptoms.
Many people with PTSD also have suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide. This is one of the many reasons why it is essential to seek treatment for PTSD.
Using Medicare Cover PTSD Treatment in Florida
Medicare covers outpatient and inpatient treatment for PTSD. Most people receive outpatient treatment for PTSD. This usually means seeing a therapist a certain number of times every week.
Therapy is the primary treatment option for PTSD. While some people may not like talking about their traumatic experience, talking about it is very important for overcoming it. A therapist can help address the root of the issue. The therapist can then help the patient discuss their feelings when they reflect on their traumatic event. A therapist can also help develop new ways to cope with these painful memories. Tackling these traumatic memories in new ways can help patients cope with pain and grief.
Medicare Part B covers outpatient treatment. Once you meet your Part B deductible, you will pay 20% of the amount that Medicare approved. The deductible may change depending on the year, but the current deductible for 2023 is $226. This makes receiving outpatient treatment for PTSD affordable for most people in Florida.
What You Need to Know
Inpatient coverage is more complicated but still available. Medicare will cover a limited amount of inpatient treatment. Inpatient treatment is when a patient is admitted to a mental hospital for treatment. They will sleep and eat there while receiving treatment. This type of treatment is reserved for those with serious PTSD symptoms, including attempted suicide or other reckless behavior.
Medicare will cover around 60 days of inpatient treatment. This insurance plan covers many different medications. Medication can help soothe the symptoms of PTSD to an individual can focus on getting better. Combining medication with therapy is incredibly beneficial.
All About PTSD Treatment in Florida
Getting PTSD treatment in Florida is important for your mental health and for leading a happy and fulfilling life. PTSD can interfere with your relationships, sleep schedule, and ability to be happy. Psychiatric treatment can help. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient treatment for PTSD. To learn more about how it works, check out our services.
