Every year millions of people in the United States are impacted by a mental health condition. Mental health care is an incredibly important part of having a healthy life. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to the resources they need to get the help they need. Inpatient psychiatric care can be expensive, and without insurance coverage, some people may not be able to get the help they need. Fortunately, Medicare is an excellent option for those who need inpatient psychiatric care but don’t have insurance or money to cover it. Learn more about how you can use Medicare for inpatient psychiatric care.
What Does Medicare Cover for Inpatient Psychiatric Care?
If you’re a Medicare beneficiary diagnosed with a psychiatric condition, you may be able to use Medicare to cover your inpatient care. Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) covers inpatient mental health care services. However, the care must be considered medically necessary, which means that your doctor has determined that your condition can only be treated safely and effectively as an inpatient. It also means less intensive care, such as outpatient or partial hospitalization, wouldn’t suffice.
Medicare Part A
If you need to be hospitalized for treatment, Part A will cover your stay in a Medicare-approved facility. Part A will also cover some of the costs of medications and other treatments related to your psychiatric care and the costs of diagnostic tests used to help determine your diagnosis and plan your treatment. However, there are some limitations to what Part A will cover. For example, Part A generally won’t pay for long-term care or custodial care (such as help with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom).
Additionally, Part A limits the number of days it will cover for inpatient psychiatric care. Medicare generally pays for up to 190 days of inpatient psychiatric care for your lifetime; however, this limit can be extended under certain circumstances. If you’re admitted to an inpatient psychiatric facility that isn’t Medicare-approved or need services not covered by Medicare Part A, you may be responsible for the costs.
Medicare Part B
In addition to Part A, Medicare Part B (medical insurance) also covers some mental health services, such as outpatient therapy and visits to psychiatrists. However, these services require a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible that you’re responsible for paying. If you need inpatient care for a psychiatric condition and have Medicare coverage, it’s essential to understand what your plan covers to make an informed decision about your care.
What Are the Benefits of Using Medicare for Inpatient Psychiatric Care?
There are many benefits of using Medicare for inpatient psychiatric care. Medicare will cover the cost of your stay in a psychiatric hospital. Also, Medicare will cover the cost of any medications you may need while in the hospital. Medicare will also cover the cost of any therapy or counseling you may need while in the hospital. This coverage can be extremely helpful in helping you to recover and get back on your feet.
Finally, using Medicare for inpatient psychiatric care can help ensure you get the best possible care. Medicare-approved psychiatric hospitals are staffed with experienced and caring professionals who can provide the treatment and support you need to recover from your illness.
How to Find a Psychiatric Facility That Accepts Medicare
Finding a psychiatric facility that accepts Medicare can be difficult, but it is possible. Here are a few tips on how to find a facility.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company to find out if Medicare will cover your particular case. They will be able to give you specific information about your coverage and what steps you need to take to get coverage for inpatient psychiatric care. They can also help you find facilities that will accept your insurance. From there, you can contact the different facilities to see which ones have availability and will be the best fit for your needs.
Contact the Facility
There are a few ways to contact the facility. The first is to reach out to the admissions department responsible for intake and assessment. They will be able to guide you through the process of getting admitted and help answer any questions you may have about insurance.
Inpatient Psychiatric Care vs. Outpatient Care
There are two main types of psychiatric care: inpatient and outpatient. Inpatient care is when a patient is admitted to a hospital or other facility for treatment. Outpatient care is when a patient receives treatment from a provider without being admitted to a facility.
Inpatient psychiatric care is typically more intensive than outpatient care. Inpatient care may include 24-hour monitoring, individual and group therapy, medication management, and other services. Outpatient care may consist of individual or group therapy, medication management, and other services.
Get the Care You Need
Medicare is a valuable resource for those seeking inpatient psychiatric care. The coverage under the program can help patients access treatment. It can also help with managing your mental health with dignity and respect.
While Medicare can put treatment within reach, it may not cover all services related to inpatient psychiatric care. Be sure to read up on the details of your plan before enrolling. With this knowledge, you will be well-prepared to get the most out of your coverage and take positive steps toward improving your mental health. Are you ready to get the care you need? We accept Medicare for inpatient psychiatric care. Contact our admissions team today to verify your insurance.
