Jul 29, 2024
Medicare is an insurance plan for older adults, aged 65 and above, and younger adults who have certain illnesses or disabilities. About 14% of adults older than 60 live with a mental health disorder, according to the World Health Organization, the most common being anxiety and depression.
Fortunately, medicare covers mental health therapy and counseling. This includes mental health screenings, individual therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, treatments, mental health medication, and possible hospitalization for mental health, depending on your plan.
Looking for a medicare therapist near you? Lifebulb offers licensed, experienced medicare therapists across the country. We have online therapy sessions so you can meet your mental health needs from the comfort of your own home, and we have select in-person therapy offices. Contact our team to be matched with a medicare therapist near you.
Medicare Plan Types: Does Medicare Cover Therapy?
The government requires all health insurance companies to give as much coverage to mental health care as they do physical healthcare; this policy extends to Medicare. If you have Medicare, parts of mental health care will be covered. How much depends on your plan.
There are four sections of Medicare:
- Part A: Inpatient care and nursing facility care; government-run
- Part B: Doctors visits and preventative care; government-run
- Part C: Part A and B plus additional coverage such as vision, hearing, and dental; privately run
- Part D: Prescription medications; privately run
Being enrolled in Part A and B of Medicare is automatic if you’re receiving Social Security benefits. Parts C and D need to be manually enrolled.
How you structure your Medicare is up to you and what makes the most sense for your finances. There are many options. However even if you only have the base coverage—Part A and B—your Medicare will cover mental health care, including therapy. It may not, however, cover mental health prescriptions.
Under Medicaid, Part B, Medicaid will help cover part of the therapy cost if you see:
- Psychiatrist or other doctor
- Clinical psychologist
- Clinical social worker (LCSW)
- Clinical nurse specialist
- Nurse practitioner
- Physician Assistant
- Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Mental Health Counselors (LPC)
Lifebulb employs LPCs, LCSWs, and LMFTS who accept Medicare.
What therapy services does Medicare cover?
Medicare will help cover these outpatient services. Outpatient means the treatment is done without being admitted to a hospital.
- One depression screening test a year must be done by a primary care doctor’s office or primary care clinic that can provide follow-up treatment and referrals.
- Individual and group psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is another word for therapy, also known as talk therapy. It is the type of service that Lifebulb offers and is an effective treatment method for mental health disorders.
- Family counseling, if the purpose of the family counseling is to help with your individual treatment.
- Psychiatric evaluation. Psychiatrists can diagnose mental health disorders.
- Medication management.
- Yearly wellness checks.
The short answer is yes, Medicare covers therapy.
How much does therapy cost with Medicare?
According to Medicare, therapy sessions are not free. Medicare helps pay therapy fees and often results in a much lower cost than if you paid out of pocket or with a different, private insurance. However, you still must meet your deductible and pay a copay, similar to other insurance plans.
How much a therapy service costs depends on: the type of Medicare plan you have, any additional insurance plans, and if you’ve met your deductible.
In general, Medicaid says to expect to pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for visits to diagnose or treat your mental health condition. This is after you pay your yearly Part B deductible. The Medicare-approved amount depends on the type of services you are seeking. If you would like to get a good-faith estimate, give our support team a call. Once we have more details about your Medicaid plan and the type of therapy services you’re seeking, we’ll be happy to provide you with an estimate.
What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare and Medicaid are both U.S. government programs that provide healthcare access to different groups of people. Medicare is primarily aimed at individuals over the age of 65, as well as some individuals under 65 with certain disabilities. It is an insurance program where recipients receive coverage based on payments made through payroll taxes and monthly premiums.
On the other hand, Medicaid is designed for low-income individuals and serves as a social welfare program. Unlike Medicare, Medicaid recipients are not required to have paid taxes or pay premiums for the coverage they receive.
What mental health disorders does Medicaid treat?
Medicaid treats all mental health disorders. If you have Medicaid and believe you are struggling with your mental health, it’s worth reaching out to a therapist who accepts Medicaid near you.
Mental Health issues Medicaid covers include:
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Eating disorders
- Substance abuse disorders
- And more—give our team a call to see if Medicare will cover your therapy visit.
Suicide is a leading cause of death for older adults. Reach out for support, either through a local therapist's office or a suicide prevention hotline, if you are experiencing any of the below symptoms:
- Thoughts of ending your life (like a fixation on death or suicidal thoughts or attempts)
- Sad, empty, or hopeless feelings
- Loss of self-worth (like worries about being a burden, feelings of worthlessness, or self-loathing)
- Social withdrawal and isolation (like you don’t want to be with friends, engage in activities, or leave home)
- Little interest in things you used to enjoy
- Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
If you or someone you know is struggling, there are caring individuals ready to listen and provide support. Here is a list of suicide prevention hotlines that offer immediate assistance:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, Press 1
Remember, reaching out for help is a courageous step toward healing. You are not alone, and support is available 24/7. Your life matters, and there are people who care and want to help you through this difficult time.
Does Lifebulb Accept Medicare?
Yes! Lifebulb therapists now accept Medicare insurance. Our support team is happy to answer any questions you have about cost, availability, and therapists near you. Or, you can search for Medicare therapists near you using our therapist filter.
Don’t wait; get the mental health support you need today.
