{"id":53539,"date":"2022-08-31T22:39:26","date_gmt":"2022-09-01T02:39:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=53539"},"modified":"2024-10-01T19:04:02","modified_gmt":"2024-10-01T23:04:02","slug":"does-medicare-cover-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/does-medicare-cover-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Medicare cover mental health?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Does Medicare cover mental health services?<\/a> | Medicare mental health providers<\/a> | Costs<\/a> | Other ways to save<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

One in five Medicare beneficiaries lives with a mental health disorder, according to the <\/span>National Library of Medicine<\/span><\/a>. That\u2019s why it\u2019s crucial that older adults understand what mental health services they have coverage for.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll discuss Medicare’s mental health coverage, how to find a mental health provider near you, what you can expect your out-of-pocket costs to be for mental health services, and how to save on mental health medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Mental health statistics<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Does Medicare cover mental health services?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Medicare does cover mental health services and treatments. Each beneficiary is eligible for Medicare psychiatric coverage, psychotherapy, and treatment for other mental health conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re admitted to a psychiatric hospital as an inpatient, your coverage will fall under Medicare Part A. Part A covers a percentage of the cost of the room, nursing, meals, etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re going to your primary care physician in an outpatient setting for mental health treatment, your Medicare coverage will fall under Medicare Part B. Part B covers healthcare provider visits to see a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, clinical social workers, clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Part B also covers outpatient mental health services for the treatment of substance abuse.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, Medicare Part B will cover outpatient mental health services, including services that are usually provided outside a hospital, in three types of settings:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. A healthcare provider’s office<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. A hospital outpatient department<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. A community mental health center<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    There is a lifetime limit of 190 days of care you receive in a freestanding inpatient psychiatric hospital. Once you\u2019ve exhausted your lifetime reserve days, you cannot get them back. However, you can <\/span>apply for a Medigap policy<\/span><\/a> that may provide up to an additional 365 lifetime reserve days. Additionally, you may be able to receive coverage for mental health services at a general hospital or other setting.<\/span><\/p>\n

    What\u2019s covered<\/span><\/h3>\n