Curious how to take control of your overall health?
The one area of coverage that people routinely sacrifice is mental health coverage. We worry about our bodies, but what about our minds?
If you only have health insurance for medical problems and forgo mental health coverage…
- You’ll have a hard time finding therapy
- Treatment will cost you much more money
- Physical health problems will get worse over time
…and research shows just how big of an impact mental health treatment can have.
Your mental health affects everything about your total wellness. But without the proper insurance coverage, how can you afford to put your mind at ease? Follow along as we cover everything you need to know about mental health coverage.
What You’ll Learn:
- Cost of Neglecting Mental Health
- Mental Health Insurance Coverage: Does it Matter?
- Essential Components Of Mental Health Coverage
- Tips To Get The Most From Mental Health Benefits
Cost of Neglecting Mental Health
Did you know 1 in 5 American adults experienced mental illness in 2024?
Mental health by the numbers reports over 60 million adults struggled with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other conditions.
Here’s the kicker…
About 45% of that group didn’t receive treatment. The average amount of time between experiencing symptoms and receiving treatment was 11 years.
Why are people not seeking mental health treatment?
Too often, mental health coverage takes a back seat to physical health coverage. Many people don’t know what their insurance covers regarding mental health. Or, they think they can’t afford services even if they do have coverage.
It’s easy to ignore mental health issues. But that doesn’t mean they’ll go away on their own.
Studies show adults with depression are 40% more likely to experience heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.
Our minds and bodies are connected. If you only leave your mind untreated, you’ll never fully recover.
Mental Health Insurance Coverage: Does it Matter?
Imagine if only half of the people who went to the doctor received treatment. Chronic illnesses would run rampant. Wellness would suffer.
Now apply that to mental health care.
Adults with insurance are over twice as likely to receive mental health services than those without. Mental health coverage matters.
When you know you’ll be able to afford treatment, you’re more likely to seek help. Gaping holes in insurance plans force people to choose between costs and care. Anthem Blue Cross mental health treatment options open the door to therapy, counseling, and inpatient services when you need them most.
Without coverage or copay transparency:
People with mental health diagnoses spent nearly twice as much out-of-pocket on healthcare as those without.
If you go to therapy without understanding your coverage, you’ll pay the price. Many people will skip important appointments or stop treatment altogether because of costs.
We end up paying more in the long run when people don’t receive mental healthcare. Poor mental health leads to increased risks of chronic diseases. Chronic disease treatment costs money which causes…more stress.
Stress only exacerbates mental health issues. For many, the problem starts (and ends) with insurance coverage.
Essential Components Of Mental Health Coverage
All health insurance providers offer different coverage.
When it comes time to look at mental health benefits, know what you’re looking for in coverage. Good mental health plans should include:
- Outpatient mental health care
- Inpatient mental health treatment
- Prescription drug coverage
- Telehealth services
- Substance use disorder treatment
Tip: Mental health coverage should be comparable to coverage for physical health. This is known as “parity” and is required by Federal law. If your plan has a $30 copay for visiting your doctor, then your plan should have a similar copay for visiting a therapist.
Not everyone knows this legislation exists. So they allow their mental health coverage to be subpar.
How To Maximize Your Benefits
Now that you know what you should be looking for in coverage. Let’s talk about how to use that coverage to your advantage.
Know Your Network
When you buy insurance, you’re given a network of providers that are “accepted” by your plan. Using “in-network” providers will always save you money.
Before you schedule an appointment with a therapist:
- Call your insurance company or visit their website.
- Request a list of covered mental health providers.
- Double check what services are covered by each provider.
- Verify if your plan requires pre-authorizations.
Keeping track of your mental health coverage will prevent surprise bills later.
Record Your Usage
Therapy sessions, prescriptions, and black box therapy services will all have limits. Write down how many sessions you’ve used and how many you’re allowed.
Having a physical copy will help you plan for the future and prevent costly mistakes.
Ask About EAPs
Employee assistance programs are an underrated benefit. EAPs offer free short-term counseling and therapy for employees.
They exist outside of your regular insurance coverage.
Use EAP services before your regular insurance even kicks in. Many companies offer 3-6 free counseling sessions through their EAP.
Don’t Neglect Preventive Care
A lot of mental health treatment can be prevented with early treatment.
KFF’s health care research found 43% of insured adults who needed mental health care weren’t able to receive it. Many of those people waited until their problems became severe before seeking care.
Mental health care is just like going to the doctor. The sooner you catch the illness, the better able your body can recover.
The Link Between Mental & Physical Health
Mental health doesn’t live in a silo.
Neglecting your mental health ruins your physical health. Depression, anxiety, and even stress can cause:
- High blood pressure
- Weakened immune systems
- Insomnia
- Chronic pain
- Increased chances of heart disease
You have to treat your body and mind together to get better.
Healthcare plans are starting to take notice. More and more insurance providers are offering ways to treat your health and mind together. Integrated care models allow your mental health professionals to work with your primary care doctors.
Conclusion
Never overlook your mental health.
Just like any other part of your body, your mental wellness is important. Failing to give your mind the care it needs can cause a ripple effect of problems. If you or someone you love is struggling, make sure you understand your coverage.
Here’s your quick takeaway:
- Understand your insurance, and what it does / does not cover.
- Look for parity between physical and mental health coverage.
- Always use in-network providers to save money.
- Use your EAP and look for preventive care options.
- Mental health is just as important as going to the doctor.
Including mental healthcare in your overall healthcare plan is simple. It starts with paying attention during open enrollment.
