Since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in 2014, most health insurance policies provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) include coverage for mental health treatment. This coverage has become a standard feature across BCBS plans. However, policies purchased before 2014 may offer fewer benefits for mental and behavioral health compared to post-ACA policies. It is important to note that evidence-based treatments such as therapeutic services and psychoanalysis are typically covered by BCBS. On the other hand, services conducted outside of a therapeutic setting, such as therapist-led out-of-office systematic desensitization or exposure treatment for specific phobias, are usually not covered by BCBS.
BCBS network plans generally include coverage for various mental health services such as residential treatment, emergency mental health outpatient treatment, and group therapy. However, it is crucial to understand that BCBS plans may have specific requirements that must be fulfilled for coverage to apply. Additionally, employers have the authority to customize the benefits they provide and determine the necessary steps for insured individuals to access those benefits. Therefore, it is essential to review your individual policy to ensure that your specific needs are covered.
To avail coverage, it is necessary to select a mental health provider within the BCBS network. The available services may also encompass case management services, consultations, and outpatient care.
Before receiving coverage under most health insurance plans, including those offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield, it is typically required to meet your deductible. This means that you are responsible for paying the initial amount, such as $300, for your healthcare expenses. Additionally, you may be required to make copayments for each visit or treatment. These copayments can be calculated as a percentage of the treatment costs or as a fixed amount, such as $30 per visit or service. To understand your specific coverage, it is important to refer to the details of your Blue Cross Blue Shield policy to determine if you have a deductible and if copayments are required for your mental health services.
To determine their individual coverage levels, insured policyholders can conveniently check their Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) coverage by logging into their member accounts. This can be done through the BCBS website or mobile app. Upon logging in, policyholders should navigate to the “Go to My Coverage” section, select “Medical,” and then choose the “What’s Covered” option. From there, they can click on “Find Behavioral Health Care, Mental Health Care, and Substance Use Treatment” to access the relevant services.
By exploring the available behavioral health and substance abuse services, policyholders can obtain information about the specific requirements of their plan to access these services. They can also discover which services are covered by their individual plan, the associated costs they are responsible for (such as copays and deductibles), and the amount their plans will pay for the covered services.
It’s important to note that while many Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance policies, including Medicare plans, provide therapeutic coverage for policyholders and their insured family members, not all plans do. The extent of coverage varies depending on the specific plan, and there may be a deductible requirement before receiving covered services. Additionally, policyholders may need to pay a copay for the services they receive.
If you are located in Los Angeles and seeking professional care for primary mental health disorders, Solace Treatment Center is available to provide compassionate and supportive assistance. They have a team of licensed providers dedicated to addressing various mental health concerns. Reach out to Solace Treatment Center for the caring help you need with your mental health issues.
Solace Treatment is licensed and/or certified by the State Department of Health Care Services.
License #: 191240AP
Expiration: 09/30/2025