It’s estimated that roughly one in five adults struggle with mental health problems in the U.S. Unfortunately, many underserved communities can’t get access to the services they need for their mental health conditions. In particular, adults over sixty-five often struggle to find help. It doesn’t have to be this way. Both Original Medicare and Medicare health plans can help you get the mental health services you need. Learn the basics of Medicare insurance mental health services to start feeling better today.
Medicare Part A Covers Inpatient Mental Health Services
If you need to be admitted to either a general hospital or a psychiatric hospital, Medicare Part A will count toward the mental health services you receive. The specific costs are comparable to traditional hospital stays.
In 2024, the deductible you’ll pay is $1,632. For the first sixty days, you’ll receive no coinsurance. After that, you’ll receive a $408 coinsurance each day until the 90th day. Following the 90th day, you’ll need to pay $816 coinsurance each day. The specific benefit period begins the day you enter inpatient services. It ends once you’ve been out of the hospital for at least sixty days.
It’s important to note that Medicare will only provide you with 109 days in a psychiatric hospital over the lifetime of your policy. Receiving mental health services in a general hospital doesn’t count toward this figure.
Medicare Part B Covers Outpatient Mental Health Services
Outpatient mental health services like therapist visits, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization, and clinical social workers are covered by Medicare Part B. You’ll need to pay the standard deductible for Medicare Part B, which in 2024 is $240. After that, you’ll only pay 20% for any outpatient mental health services approved by Medicare.
It’s important to note that not all mental health facilities and professionals accept Medicare; however, Comprehensive Wellness Centers accept Medicare.
If you find a primary care provider that accepts the Medicare-stipulated amount, you’ll receive one depression screening each year under Medicare Part B; this isn’t subject to any co-insurance payments or deductibles.
Medicare Part B Also Cover Therapy Services
It’s never too late to benefit from individual cognitive behavioral therapy sessions. Group therapy can also be an excellent tool for learning and connecting with individuals experiencing the same mental wellness problems that you might be going through.
Medicare Part B can be applied to these therapies from qualified licensed professionals; however, therapy isn’t the only type of mental health services you can benefit from under Medicare Part B. In addition to the one free mental health screening, there are many other services you should consider, including things like different types of psychiatric evaluations, medication management, diagnostic tests, and family therapy, if they help with your mental health treatment.
What About Mental Health Prescription Costs?
You have two options for paying for mental health prescriptions through Medicare. The first is to purchase a separate policy under Medicare Part D. The other is to purchase a Medicare Advantage Plan through a private insurer. There are a few exceptions, but both of these options should cover any antidepressant or antipsychotic medicines that you might require. Still, during your open enrollment process, you should ensure that these plans cover the medication you need. If it’s not, look for one that does cover it.
What About Other Medicare Plans?
Keep in mind that the insurance options covered so far only apply to the benefits in an Original Medicare plan. Other types of insurance, like CarePlus Medicare, Devoted Health Medicare, and Humana Medicare Advantage, may have different coverage options. If you’re covered by one of these plans, call your provider and ask for details. They’ll be able to provide you with more information on Medicare coverage related to mental health services.
If you want more comprehensive information on the benefits of an Original Medicare plan, we recommend checking out this official booklet related to mental healthcare.
How to Find Medicare Insurance Mental Health Services
It can be a challenge to find some mental health professionals that accept Medicare. Your best resource will be to look for care providers through Medicare’s network, which can be found on their website. Make sure you call to confirm that the provider accepts your Medicare plan before you visit with them. If you go to a provider who doesn’t accept Medicare, you’ll need to pay the entire bill on your own.
What Should You Do If You’re Experiencing a Mental Health Emergency?
If you’re experiencing a mental health emergency, you might avoid seeking help if you think you’re not adequately covered. However, those experiencing suicidal thoughts or other forms of self-harm need to seek aid regardless of your coverage.
Remember that your life is always more valuable than a medical bill. You can start by calling the 24/7 hotline offered by the U.S. government. Simply dial 988 to get in touch with a representative at the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The people on the other end of the line can walk you through any immediate thoughts or problems you might be having. If more is needed, they can connect you to either an in-person crisis center or a hospital to receive the help you need.
How Comprehensive Wellness Centers Can Help You With Treatment
Here at Comprehensive Wellness Centers, we’ve seen first-hand the devastation that mental health conditions can wreak on quality of life, and that’s why we offer personalized and evidence-based treatment plans for people struggling with their mental health. What’s more, we also accept a variety of different Medicare plans. If you’re ready to get the help you deserve, verify your insurance to get started.
