Medicare and Mental Health
Does Medicare cover Mental Health?
In these days of the Covid -19 pandemic cutting us off from our normal lives, we are often faced with looking inwards. For many people this can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, and loneliness. If this is you, you’re not alone.
In a recent study, “research reveals that older populations are less consumed by pandemic depression than those that are younger. According to a recent study, some seniors have even expanded their social support networks during the lockdowns. And the researchers found that older adults tended to report lower levels of loneliness compared with middle-aged and younger adults.” - NPR
That being said, the research finds that the best solution to feelings of depression, isolation and loneliness are keeping connected to loved ones and friends. Use this time as an excuse to finally learn that technology, texting, zoom calling, etc. and the reward opens up a world of communication possibilities! However if you are 1 in 4 older adults who are growing anxious or depressed, you are not alone. “According to a Kaiser Family Foundation poll, a rate that has more than doubled during the pandemic.” - NPR
If you are in need of mental health counseling, Original Medicare covers individual and group psychotherapy, with no cap on the number of sessions; patients pay 20 percent of the authorized amount. It also covers treatment of substance abuse and provides for free annual depression screening. Co-payments for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries differ with each plan.
Finding a mental health professional who accepts medicare can be tough, and many may decide to pay the out of pocket cost. If you are wondering what your plan covers reach out to Doctor’s Choice and we can help you see that type of mental health coverage your plan has. Looking for a mental health professional? The best place to look is by speaking with your close friends, doing some local research and speaking with your physician.
Many therapists are happy to see older adults because they appreciate the sense of urgency in working through issues. Younger people have a whole lifetime to figure these things out, but older adults know what they need to work on and are ready to start today. If Covid-19 and its collateral damage has brought up issues you’d like to work on, when else?! You have the time!
Doctor’s Choice is not advertising mental health services, simply informing clients about the options they have to improve their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. For more information on what your plan covers, please reach out to us. We are happy to help you!