+ How do I use my Health Insurance for Mental Health coverage?

Check to see whether your coverage uses provider networks. Typically, patients are required to pay more out-of-pocket costs when visiting an out-of-network provider. Call your insurance company or visit the company’s website for a list of in-network providers.

+ What should I ask my insurance provider about my Mental Health coverage?

Ask about copayments. A copay is a charge that your insurance company requires you to pay out of pocket for a specific service. For instance, you may have a $20 copay for each office visit. In the past, copays for mental health visits may have been greater than those for most medical visits. That should no longer be the case for insurance plans subject to the parity law. Ask about your deductible. A deductible is the amount that you must pay out-of-pocket before your health insurance makes any payments. Depending on your deductible, for instance, you may have to pay $500 or even $5,000 out-of-pocket before your insurance company will begin making payments on claims. As a result of the parity law, your deductible should apply to both mental and physical health coverage.

+ What should I ask a therapist/mental health provider about coverage?

When you call to schedule an appointment with a mental health provider, ask if he or she accepts your insurance. Also ask whether he or she will bill your insurance company directly and you just provide a copayment, or if you have to pay in full and then submit the claim to your insurance company for reimbursement. If your provider does not accept insurance, ask about his or her payment policy.

+ What are my rights to mental health coverage?

According to the organization Parity Track, "Americans often have more difficulty getting behavioral health treatment than they do accessing other medical care. Even those with health insurance face barriers. Insurance plans charge them more or put more restrictions on behavioral health benefits that are not in place for other medical care. Parity laws at the federal and state level are designed to change this and make health insurance plans treat individuals with behavioral health conditions fairly."

To learn more about your rights to coverage and if your health insurer is in violation please visit:
https://www.paritytrack.org/#

To better understand parity in general, visit: https://www.apa.org/topics/parity-guide#:~:text=Check%20your%20description%20of%20plan,contact%20your%20insurance%20company%20directly.