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Whether or not you
have insurance coverage, there are many ways to save on professional services.
Learn to negotiate with providers and insurance companies and find alternative
sources of services.
Choosing
a professional
Psychiatrists are medical doctors and can prescribe medication. Nurse
practitioners who specialize in psychiatry and mental health can prescribe
medication in most states. Find out about other
mental health professionals. When you call a potential mental health
care provider, ask the receptionist:
- Does the mental
health professional offer a sliding-scale fee based on income?
- Does he or she
accept your health insurance or Medicaid/Medicare?
Dealing
with your insurance company
Know what your insurance company is required to cover. For example, if the plan covers mental health, but it cannot provide an in-network doctor, it is often required to pay for an-out-of-network doctor. If a claim is denied, find out why. Sometimes it's because of
an error in a diagnostic or treatment code. Be prepared to negotiate
your case (in writing) with your insurance company or employer, even after
a claim has been denied.
The
Consumer Protection Manual, published by The National Coalition
of Mental Health Professionals and Consumers, Inc., is an empowerment
tool for consumers and advocates giving precise information and strategies
for solving problems with managed care and receiving the best mental health
care possible.
Stretch
your provider dollars
Try to negotiate with your provider for a lower fee. Many doctors and
therapists will take your income and expenses into consideration.
Spread your visits out to every other week, instead of weekly if you must.
Help
through your employer
If your company has an employee assistance program (EAP), find out if
it offers counseling services. An EAP is a resource provided either as
part of, or separate from, employer-sponsored health plans. Usually EAP
visits are free, but the number of visits may be limited. Preventive care
measures such as health screenings, mental health or substance abuse screening,
and/or wellness activities are provided. Many EAPs provide aid to employees
and their families for substance abuse, stress, depression, and other
mental health issues. EAP visits are confidential; information discussed
in these visits will not be shared with your employer.
Community-based resources
Many communities have community mental
health centers (CMHCs) which offer a range of treatment and counseling
services, usually at a reduced rate for low-income people. CMHCs generally
require you to have a private insurance plan or to be a recipient of public
assistance. |
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 Pastoral
Counseling: Your church or synagogue can put you in touch with
a pastoral counseling program or find
one online. Certified pastoral counselors, who are ministers in
a recognized religious body, have advanced degrees in pastoral counseling,
as well as professional counseling experience. Pastoral counseling is
often provided on a sliding-scale fee basis.
Self-help
groups: Another option is to join a self-help or support group.
Such groups give people a chance to learn about, talk about, and work
on their common problems, such as alcoholism, substance abuse, depression,
family issues, and relationships. Self-help groups are generally free
and can be found in virtually every community in America. Many people
find them to be effective. Visit NAMI,
DBSA or ADAA
Public
assistance:
People with severe mental illness may be eligible for several forms of
public assistance, both to meet the basic costs of living and to pay for
health care. Examples of such programs are Social Security,
Medicare, and Medicaid. For information
about Medicaid, contact your local social service or welfare office. For
information about Social Security, Medicare, and disability benefits,
you can also call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213.
Social Security
has two types of programs to help individuals with disabilities. Social
Security Disability Insurance provides benefits for those individuals
who have worked for a required length of time and have paid Social Security
taxes. Supplemental Security Income provides benefits to individuals based
on their economic needs
Medicare
is America's primary Federal health insurance program for people who are
65 or older and for some with disabilities who are under 65. It provides
basic protection for the cost of health care.
Medicaid
pays for some health care costs for America's poorest and most vulnerable
people. Although there are certain Federal requirements, each State also
has its own rules and regulations for Medicaid.
Additional resources:
National Mental Health Information
Center
American Self-Help Clearinghouse
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
National Mental Health Consumer's
Self-Help Clearinghouse
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