Psychological Well being Consciousness Month in Might highlights the significance of Medicare’s psychological well being companies advantages.
This concern got here up for me lately, when Michael, a 72-year-old former advertising and marketing govt, instructed me that he was feeling remoted and anxious, particularly after his spouse’s passing.
Michael’s query: Does Medicare present assist for psychological well being companies, and, if that’s the case, how can enrollees use the psychological well being companies advantages?
The quick reply: Sure. Medicare now covers a variety of psychological well being companies.
The Facilities for Medicare and Medicaid Companies has posted a 24-page guide to Medicare’s mental health benefits.
The Commonplace Advantages
Preventive companies: Medicare Half B covers annual despair screenings.
Drugs: Medicare Half D covers the medicines used to deal with psychological well being circumstances.
Outpatient therapy: Years in the past, well being insurers skimped on protection for psychological well being companies delivered outdoors of establishments. At present, Medicare Half B covers psychiatric evaluations, particular person remedy, group remedy and different companies supplied in outpatient settings.
Telehealth companies: Medicare is now extra seemingly than prior to now to cowl counseling and different companies supplied by means of telehealth methods. That may be particularly useful for purchasers in distant or underserved areas.
