If you are eligible for Medicare and you are one of the millions of people who are affected by mental health conditions in the United States, your recovery program at The Blackberry Center may not cost you a dime. Find your guide to coverage and recovery below.

Mental Health Coverage

To maintain your wellbeing, you must systematically look at all of the factors that contribute to your overall health and happiness. This includes your mental, behavioral, and emotional health. But for most people, it’s also important to consider what kind of treatment you can afford.

The good news is that, in recent years, coverage for mental health conditions by insurances and Medicare plans has been expanding throughout the United States. This coverage has improved and continues to evolve to help with issues like substance use disorders and mental health care.

Mental health care encompasses a variety of both preventative and crisis services, including family counseling, outpatient mental health services, and annual depression screenings. For both these and more intensive treatment, rest assured that The Blackberry Center accepts Medicare.

Medicare Eligibility

If you do not currently receive Medicare benefits, you could be eligible for their mental health coverage.

Medicare assistance is given to those who qualify for health care coverage and fit one of the following requirements:

• 65 years or older
• Considered to have a significant disability
• Have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Check your eligibility for Medicare online through this survey.

Your Treatment Options

In short, know that Medicare covers mental health conditions. That said, your coverage first depends on your treatment plan. Our staff at The Blackberry Center is here to craft a path to recovery that is specific to your mental health needs and coverage status.

Different mental illnesses require varying treatment approaches. Before you enter treatment, you will be assessed by a mental health professional to find the best plan for you. These treatment options include:

• Adult Mental Health Program
• Crisis Care Services
• Dual Diagnosis Program
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
• Family Behavioral Health Services

Be sure to reach out to us for further information on these treatment options. We’re happy to help you better understand how Medicare covers your mental health care!

Medicare Has Your Mental Health Covered

In addition to knowing your treatment options, your coverage also depends on the type of Medicare you currently receive. Check with your health care providers to determine which Medicare plan will work best for you.

This list will walk through what each individual plan offers with regard to mental health care.

Original Medicare Plans:

Medicare parts A and B fall under the category of Original Medicare Coverage. Both A and B qualify as fee-for-service plans. This means that, in most cases, Medicare pays the Medicare-approved amount after the patient reaches their specific deductible.

Patients typically use Medicare part A for hospitalization services. Part A covers:

• Inpatient care
• Facility treatment
• Home health care

To elaborate, if your treatment program suggests the path of inpatient care, Medicare part A will offer coverage of the Medicare-approved amount after the patient pays a certain amount for yearly medical care. In 2020, the expected deductible patients must reach is $1,400 before Original Medicare coverage begins.

You can use Medicare part B for medical insurance benefits. Put simply, this plan covers medically necessary treatments. Medicare part B is very commonly used for mental health services, including inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization care. Additionally, Medicare part B offers coverage for the following:

• Free annual depression screenings
• Individual, group, and family counseling
• Psychiatric assessments
• Medication management
• General hospital treatment

With this Medicare plan, patients must pay a specific deductible. The anticipated part B deductible for 2020 is approximately $145. Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount for treatments like these, leaving only 20% to the patient or another insurance provider. Patients might also pay minimal copays in hospital or outpatient settings.

Medicare Advantage Plan:

Medicare part C works differently than the Original Medicare plans, in that it is contracted through a private company according to Medicare’s guidelines. These services do not cover the services that are provided in parts A and B.

The other option that Medicare offers is Medicare part D, which covers prescription drugs. This is useful for patients enrolled in Medicare benefits who require prescription medications after completing treatment.

The Blackberry Center Has Got You Covered

Our goal at The Blackberry Center is to provide you with successful mental health treatment without bringing financial strain or stress. We are proud to accept Medicare in addition to other insurance plans.

Remember that if you are unsure about your coverage and your treatment plan, we are here to help. Contact The Blackberry Center in St. Cloud, Florida online or by phone at (813) 908-4199 to look into the possibility of treatment today.