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Understanding Medicare and Mental Health Coverage

May 25, 2021

Introduction

Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people over 65, does cover mental health. While Original Medicare is usually limited to cover 80% of mental health claims, it is important to coordinate with a Medicare Supplement, like Plan G, to get coverage for mental health services. Additionally, you can use an when you have traditional medicare, if the doctor works with medicare, they will work with your supplement Plan G. It is key to find someone who specializes in senior mental health care.

Medicare Part A and B coverage of mental health

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage to people age 65 and older, as well as certain disabled persons. Medicare Part A covers inpatient mental health care, including most psychiatric hospital stays and some other types of residential treatment. It also covers skilled nursing facilities for up to 100 days if you have a medical condition related to your mental illness.

Medicare Part B covers outpatient mental health care, including individual therapy sessions (with some exceptions), group therapy sessions at an institution or residential facility, visits with a psychiatrist or psychologist (but not more than 25 per year), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), counseling services related to alcohol or drug abuse treatment; psychological testing; psychiatric diagnostic tests; psychotherapy services by non-physicians such as social workers and marriage counselors; durable medical equipment used by people with severe mental illness; durable medical equipment used by those who need cataract surgery but are not medically qualified for it (this includes patients who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia); eyeglasses prescribed for vision correction after cataract removal surgery on both eyes.

Coordinating Original Medicare with Supplement Plan G

Medicare Plan G is a supplemental insurance plan offered by independent insurance companies to fill in the gaps associated with Medicare Parts A and B. When you coordinate both plans, they can be used to cover the cost of mental health services, inpatient prescriptions and physical therapy. If you or your loved one is enrolled in Original Medicare, it's important to know how this coverage works so that you can make sure you're getting the most out of your benefits

  • What does Medicare Plan G do?

Medicare Plan G helps pay for treatment that may not be covered by Original Medicare (Parts A & B). These services include:

o Mental health services like counseling or therapy

o Prescription drugs if they are used to treat mental illness or addiction disorders

o Some physical therapy services

How can I find a doctor who specializes in senior mental health care?

When you're looking for a doctor who specializes in senior mental health care, it's important to look for a few specific qualifications. First, the doctor should have experience treating seniors' mental health issues. Also, they should have experience with your particular type of mental health issue—for example, if you are dealing with depression or anxiety, it's best to find a doctor who has worked with people who suffer from those conditions.

Finally, look for someone who is willing to listen and ask questions about your concerns without making assumptions about what might be causing them or how serious they are.

Your mental health is as important as your physical health.

There are two types of mental health: physical and mental. Physical health includes the state of your body, while mental health includes your thoughts and feelings. Mental illnesses include depression, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders. A mental disorder is a condition that affects how you think, feel or act.

Some people may not realize how important good mental health is to seniors because they don’t see it as often as they do physical problems such as heart disease or diabetes. But that doesn't mean it isn’t just as important to take care of yourself!

Conclusion

Depression and anxiety are common among seniors and can be difficult to manage. But with the right care and support, you can beat these challenges. You’re not alone!