Psychological Well being Consciousness Month in Could 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 government, advised 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 brief reply: Sure. Medicare now covers a variety of psychological well being companies.
The Facilities for Medicare and Medicaid Providers has posted a 24-page information to Medicare’s psychological well being advantages.
The Commonplace Advantages
Preventive companies: Medicare Half B covers annual melancholy screenings.
Drugs: Medicare Half D covers the medicines used to deal with psychological well being situations.
Outpatient therapy: Years in the past, well being insurers skimped on protection for psychological well being companies delivered exterior of establishments. At present, Medicare Half B covers psychiatric evaluations, particular person remedy, group remedy and different companies offered in outpatient settings.
Telehealth companies: Medicare is now extra possible than up to now to cowl counseling and different companies offered by way of telehealth programs. That may be particularly useful for purchasers in distant or underserved areas.