How do i find out if my medical insurance covers psychiatric care?
im 18 and i want to see a therapist but i dont want my mom to find out. i am on her insurance and i have no idea what our insurance covers.
Tags: care, covers, Find, Insurance, Medical, psychiatric
Call them.
Do you have your own copy of the insurance card? Without it, you’re out of luck. Doctors’ offices always want to see your insurance card up front.
If you do have a copy, it probably has a website and a phone number on it for questions regarding your coverage.
Even if it’s covered, do realize that there will probably be some kind of out-of-pocket payment (co-pay or co-insurance, and in the latter case, a bill is sent from the doctor’s office after the insurance pays, asking for your portion of the payment). Also, there is an “Explanation of Benefits” that is sent by the insurance company after they pay. If your mom sees the bill or the EOB, she’ll know that you’ve been to a doctor.
Also know that mental health coverage is sometimes “subcontracted” out to a different company and that not all mental health professionals accept all medical/mental health insurances.
Even if your are covered, if you are on your parents insurance they will get the bill in the mail or a notice of payment.
You might call a local community clinic or a county clinic that provides free services.
You might post what state your in for some referrals. And, you might get more help by looking up some information on WebMd.
Your Mom will receive an “Explanation of Benefits” for any claim that is filed, so using her insurance would be difficult. Your ID card should have a phone # you can call for questions, or preauthorizations. An alternative might be contacting your local health department or the yellow pages under “Mental Health Info and Treatment Centers” and asking for a referral to low cost mental health providers. If you need to, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. All mental health providers are obligated to provide confidentiality, so your Mom won’t find out anything unless you tell her. Using her insurance though, she would know who filed the claim and a general description of the service provided.
If you use the insurance, you can’t keep it from your Mom. She will see the claims paperwork. Time to be honest with her.
Its best to let your mom know your issues because since you are covered under her insurance she would find out. Secondly, she will also be able to help you.
With regards to insurance covers you will have to find out from the company if this service is covered since it would depend upon the type of coverage opted for.
Get the card, flip it over and call the customer service number on the back and ask. Also, ask them the proper way to use it so you get the full benefits.