Social stigma and personal feelings of fear and shame often contribute to a reluctance to seek mental health treatment. Limited access to care is another common barrier to treatment. For many, financial limitations and the cost of treatment are the biggest hindrances to getting the help they need and deserve. Mental health disorders require treatment just like any physical illness does. At Harmony Hills, we can help you in determining insurance coverage for mental health treatment.
Understanding your insurance coverage can be complicated, especially if you are in a mental health crisis. Aetna is one of the oldest and largest insurance companies, providing coverage for millions. If you are unsure about what treatment your Aetna plan covers, we can help. Our intake specialists are well versed in working with Aetna to determine your level of coverage, make treatment more affordable, and allow your focus to remain on getting better. Contact the Harmony Hills team now by calling 855.494.0357.
Understanding Insurance Coverage for Mental Health
All health insurance providers are required to provide coverage for mental and behavioral health, as required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2008. This requirement goes further than just mandating coverage.
Before the ACA, many insurance providers established limits on access to mental health care that was more restrictive than physical health care. Parity laws remove these limits by requiring that insurance companies cover mental health and substance use at the same level as medical needs. If you have a condition that has an official diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), your insurance provider must offer coverage.
Your Aetna insurance can provide inpatient or outpatient treatment, medications, and various therapy options. Your particular policy and state determine your specific coverage, so it is essential to talk with your Aetna representative. Alternatively, your Harmony Hills case manager or intake specialist can help you navigate this process.
Questions to Ask About Your Insurance Coverage
Your description of plan benefits should include information about behavioral health services or coverage for mental health and substance use disorders. Following are some essential points to consider when determining your coverage:
Provider Networks
Most insurance companies have a list of in-network providers, which are healthcare professionals and facilities that have agreed to provide services at negotiated rates. Using an out-of-network provider, who is not contracted with your insurance company, will typically cost you more money out-of-pocket. To find a complete list of in-network providers, you can visit your insurance company’s website or contact their customer service. Harmony Hills is proud to be in-network with Aetna, ensuring that their services are accessible and affordable for Aetna policyholders.
Copays
A copay is the fixed amount that you pay out-of-pocket for a specific service, such as a doctor’s visit or a therapy session. For example, you may have a $20 copay for a regular doctor’s appointment, while the insurance company covers the remainder of the cost. It’s important to note that parity laws prohibit mental health copays from being higher than medical copays, ensuring that individuals seeking mental health treatment are not faced with additional financial burdens.
Deductibles
A deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. It’s like a threshold that you have to reach before your insurance starts sharing the cost. Deductibles can vary widely, ranging from $500 to $5000 or even more, depending on your insurance plan. Understanding your deductible is crucial because it determines how much you will need to pay for your mental health treatment before your insurance starts covering a portion of the costs.
Providers
When considering a mental health provider, it’s important to ensure that they accept your insurance. You can do this by contacting the provider directly or checking with your insurance company. Additionally, it’s helpful to find out if the provider bills the insurance company directly or if you need to pay upfront and submit a claim for reimbursement. This information will help you navigate the payment process and understand your financial responsibilities when seeking mental health treatment.
Reach Out to Harmony Hills with Your Insurance Questions
Harmony Hills can improve the lives of our clients and their families through the most current, science-based, integrative treatment approaches in a safe, compassionate, supportive, and healing environment. We treat a range of mental health disorders, including:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Schizoaffective disorder
- PTSD
- Self-harm
- Co-occurring disorders
Get the Help You Need Today
Understanding the ins and outs of insurance coverage for mental health can feel overwhelming. However, help is available at Harmony Hills. We work closely with Aetna insurance and others to ensure you get the best coverage possible for your mental health treatment.
Are you or your loved one ready to overcome the challenges of a mental health disorder or dual diagnosis? If so, reach out to the Harmony Hills team today. Take the first step to recovery by calling 855.494.0357. Our team is available around the clock.
