Understanding Your Health Benefits
Terms you may see within your policy/ procedures
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Insurance Coverage:
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Verify your insurance coverage for mental health services. Different insurance plans offer varying levels of coverage for therapy and counseling. Contact your insurance provider to understand your specific mental health benefits, including copayments, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses.
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In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Providers:
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Check if your insurance plan has a network of mental health providers. In-network providers usually cost less for you, as insurance covers a higher percentage of the fees. If you choose an out-of-network provider, you may have higher out-of-pocket costs.
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Referral and Authorization Requirements:
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Some insurance plans require a referral from a primary care physician or authorization for mental health services. Familiarize yourself with these requirements to avoid unexpected denials of coverage.
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Coverage Limits and Sessions:
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Be aware of any limitations on the number of therapy sessions covered by your insurance. Some plans may have session limits or require periodic reauthorization for ongoing treatment.
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Pre-Existing Conditions:
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Check if your insurance plan covers pre-existing mental health conditions. Some plans may have waiting periods or exclusions for pre-existing conditions, so it's important to understand any limitations.
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Coverage for Different Modalities:
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Some insurance plans may have limitations on the types of therapy covered. For example, they may cover individual therapy but not couples therapy or specific therapeutic modalities. Clarify these details with your insurance provider.
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Confidentiality Concerns:
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Understand that using insurance involves sharing diagnostic information with the insurance company for reimbursement. If confidentiality is a primary concern, you may opt for private pay to avoid having a mental health diagnosis on record with your insurance.
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Co-Payments and Deductibles:
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Determine the amount of your co-payment (the fixed amount you pay per session) and your deductible (the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage begins). Understanding these costs helps you plan for your financial responsibility.
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Out-of-Pocket Expenses:
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Even with insurance coverage, there may be out-of-pocket expenses. Consider all costs, including copayments, deductibles, and any additional fees, when budgeting for mental health services.
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Network Directories:
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Use your insurance company's network directories to find in-network mental health providers. This can help you choose a therapist who is covered by your insurance and reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
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Appeals Process:
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Familiarize yourself with the appeals process in case a claim is denied. If you believe a claim was wrongly denied, you have the right to appeal the decision.
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Teletherapy Coverage:
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Check whether your insurance plan covers teletherapy services. Many plans have expanded coverage for virtual mental health services, especially in response to the increased use of telehealth.
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Provider Reimbursement Rates:
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Be aware that some therapists may not accept insurance due to low reimbursement rates. In such cases, private pay may be the only option, and you may choose to submit claims for out-of-network reimbursement.
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Common Health Insurance Terms
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Premium:
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The amount you pay for your health insurance coverage, typically on a monthly basis.
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Deductible:
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The amount you must pay out-of-pocket for covered healthcare services before your insurance plan starts to pay.
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Copayment (Copay):
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A fixed amount you pay for certain covered healthcare services, typically due at the time of the service (e.g., a $20 copayment for a doctor's visit).
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Coinsurance:
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Your share of the costs of a covered healthcare service, calculated as a percentage (e.g., you may pay 20% of the allowed cost while the insurance company pays 80%).
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Out-of-Pocket Maximum/Limit:
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The maximum amount you have to pay for covered services in a plan year. Once you reach this limit, the insurance company typically covers 100% of additional covered costs.
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Network:
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The facilities, providers, and suppliers that your health insurer has contracted with to provide healthcare services. Going to an in-network provider usually results in lower out-of-pocket costs.
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Out-of-Network:
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Healthcare providers or facilities that do not participate in your insurance plan's network. Visiting out-of-network providers may result in higher out-of-pocket costs.
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Health Maintenance Organization (HMO):
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A type of health insurance plan that requires you to choose a primary care physician (PCP) and get referrals from the PCP to see specialists.
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Preferred Provider Organization (PPO):
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A type of health insurance plan that offers more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers. You can see both in-network and out-of-network providers without a referral, but out-of-network care may cost more.
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Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO):
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A hybrid between HMOs and PPOs. Like a PPO, you don't need a referral to see specialists, but coverage is typically limited to in-network providers.
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Health Savings Account (HSA):
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A tax-advantaged savings account paired with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) that allows you to save money for qualified medical expenses.
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Flexible Spending Account (FSA):
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An employer-sponsored account that allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible healthcare expenses.
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Preventive Services:
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Healthcare services and screenings intended to prevent illnesses or detect them at an early stage when treatment is likely to be more effective. These are often covered at no cost to you.
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Prescription Drug Coverage (Formulary):
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The list of prescription drugs covered by your insurance plan. Drugs are typically categorized into tiers, with different costs associated with each tier.
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Claim:
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A request for payment submitted by a healthcare provider to your insurance company after you receive medical services.
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Explanation of Benefits (EOB):
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A statement from your insurance company explaining what medical treatments and/or services were paid for on your behalf.
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Inpatient vs. Outpatient Care:
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Inpatient care involves treatment in a hospital or other facility where you stay overnight, while outpatient care refers to services provided without an overnight stay.
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Lifetime Maximum:
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The maximum amount your insurance plan will pay for covered services over your lifetime.
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