Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rate of depression and anxiety has increased. But sadly, some people are seeking help. What’s keeping them from seeking help? The social stigma attached to mental illness is one reason. A lack of access to care is another. And cost is a factor, too.
Many people wonder what role does their health insurance play when it comes to therapy or counseling. Well good new, The Affordable Care Act requires off-marketplace plans to cover counseling and therapy.
However, the ACA doesn’t specify which types of counseling or therapy off-marketplace plans have to cover. It also doesn’t say how fully they have to cover them.
Because of this, don’t assume that any health insurance plan bought directly from an insurer will pay for your mental health care.
And if you can’t figure out what your off-marketplace plan will and won’t cover in this area, contact your insurer. You don’t want to go in for therapy or counseling only to find out that your policy won’t cover it.
Most employer-sponsored health insurance plans cover at least some forms of mental health care. This is true even of companies with more than 50 employees.
As is often the case with job-based health insurance, coverage can be all over the map. One company may thoroughly cover psychotherapy or counseling sessions. Another may only cover the minimum.
Don’t assume your health insurance plan will cover mental health care services. Call your insurance provider to double check and to find a doctor in-network.
Cosmo Insurance Agency is a full-service independent insurance agency based in Hackensack (Bergen County) and Lakewood (Ocean County), New Jersey that offers an all-encompassing range of insurance options for both individuals and businesses. Cosmo keeps its promise to assure an efficient and creative approach to the services we offer. Each of our clients experience a personalized and long-term relationship with us. Our New Jersey based team of health brokers guides our clients in helping them choose the most cost-effective options. By incorporating our knowledge of the insurance guidelines for healthcare, employee benefits, life insurance, self-insurance, dental, disability, and long term care insurance, we keep our clients up-to-date with affordable plans that cover all their specific insurance needs.
