Options to Pay

What Are the Options for Mental Health Treatment?

In 2008, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act deemed that group health insurance plans should not pose any financial barriers on mental health treatment as opposed to physical health treatment. While it didn’t require plans to cover mental health, it did mean that those insurance plans that did cover it could not restrict coverage for individuals. Fortunately, this has made it easier for some people to obtain much needed treatment. Additionally, the law will make it so state-based insurance plans must offer mental health and addiction benefits. Here are some quick facts about insurance coverage and mental health:

• Over 40 states now have mental health parity requirements for insurance.

• According to the New England Journal of Medicine, costs for insurers rose less than one-half of a percentage point when, in 2001, health plans for federal workers were required to provide full parity insurance coverage.

• The United States spends about 5.6 percent of national health care spending on mental health treatment (approximately $113 million).

• Costs for mental health treatment typically go to outpatient treatment and prescription drugs.

• Approximately one-quarter of the near 16 million Americans who received care for mental health were noted as the main payer for treatment.

When a loved one experience mental health or addiction problems, treatment is an absolute necessity to living a full and happy life; however, the costs of health care can be a large deterrent in actually seeking help.

Many of those seeking treatment for mental health pay the costs themselves. Of course, this can be very expensive depending on the type of treatment. Some treatment facilities offer payment programs and accept insurance. Make sure to review your finances and insurance plan to see what is covered and what you can financially handle.

Getting the Right Care

If you need treatment for mental health, you can find a provider that’s right for you. Look for treatment facilities that accept your insurance, provided your insurance company covers mental health. Otherwise, you can discuss payment options with your chosen treatment facility.

Treatment should not wait when it is needed to address mental health issues. The experts at Foundations Recovery Network are here to help you discover the best treatment option for you based on your addiction or mental health disorder, your lifestyle, and your financial situation. Let our treatment coordinators talk you through a variety of treatment and recovery plans so you can decide what works best for you. Call us when you’re ready, and we’ll be here to talk you through it.