Behavioral health insurance is confusing, and many people are unsure about what’s covered by their plans.
These misunderstandings can keep you from getting the care you need.
By busting common insurance myths, this guide will help you navigate your benefits with confidence and get the mental health and addiction treatment you need.
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The Importance of Understanding Behavioral Health Insurance
Knowing your behavioral health insurance coverage is key to getting the care you need without stress.
Understanding the basics of your benefits will break down barriers to treatment, so you can get mental health or addiction services with minimal cost and no confusion about your coverage.
1. Myth: Behavioral Health Isn’t Covered by Most Insurance Plans
This is a myth. Federal law (the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act) requires most insurance plans to cover mental health and addiction treatment.1
These services are now considered equally as important as physical health care.
This way, therapy, counseling, and substance use treatment are more accessible.
2. Myth: You Can Only Use Insurance for Inpatient Treatment
Insurance covers more than just inpatient care.
Most plans also cover outpatient services like therapy, counseling, and virtual intensive outpatient programs.2
These are flexible options that allow you to get the support you need without being in a hospital or facility.
3. Myth: Pre-Authorization Makes It Too Complicated to Use Benefits
Pre-authorization just confirms that your insurance will cover your treatment. It’s not as hard as it seems at first glance—your provider will most likely handle the paperwork for you.
Pre-Authorization Tips:
- Call your insurer to confirm requirements.
- Work with your provider to make sure your paperwork gets submitted.
- Follow up on approval timelines to avoid delays.
Quick Tip: Check Your Behavioral Health Insurance Benefits
Not sure what’s covered? Contact your provider or use Cornerstone’s free insurance verification. Knowing your benefits and the truth behind these insurance myths will help you get the behavioral health care you need without any surprise costs.
4. Myth: Therapy Sessions Are Always Expensive, Even with Insurance
Insurance helps make therapy sessions a lot more affordable by covering part of the cost.
Copays, coinsurance, and deductibles may vary, but your insurance can greatly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
5. Myth: Insurance Only Covers Short-Term Care
Insurance covers both short-term and long-term mental health care.
Federal laws like the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act require equal coverage for mental health and physical health.
Coverage varies plan by plan, but insurance can help a lot.
You can use Cornerstone’s free insurance verification tool to see what services your insurance plan covers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover behavioral health services?
Yes, most plans do. In fact, federal laws like the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act require most insurance companies to cover mental health and addiction treatment. Mental health and addiction care are considered equally as important as physical health care.3
How do I check if my insurance covers behavioral healthcare?
To check your insurance, contact your insurance company and ask, or use Cornerstone’s free insurance verification. It can tell you what your insurance covers, if your provider is in-network, and any copays or pre-authorization requirements there might be for behavioral health services.
What if my insurance requires pre-authorization?
If pre-authorization is required, your provider will typically submit the paperwork for you. Contact your insurance company to ask about any requirements and get approval before you start treatment. This will help you confirm that you have coverage for the specific service you need.
Key Takeaways
- Key Takeaways
- Behavioral health services are covered by most insurance plans due to federal mandates.
- Outpatient services like therapy and virtual programs are covered.
- Pre-authorization is easier than you think and providers often handle the process.
- Therapy can be affordable with insurance with reasonable copays and coinsurance.
- Insurance often includes long-term mental health care not just short-term support.
Get the Behavioral Health Coverage You Need with Cornerstone
Knowing the truth behind these insurance myths might have helped you realize that the behavioral health care you need is more accessible than you thought.
Insurance covers therapy and long-term care and helps provide more affordable options.
You can easily check your insurance benefits today with Cornerstone’s free insurance verification tool.
Contact Cornerstone to explore both residential and virtual mental health treatment options.
Reach out today to start your recovery journey and get the care you deserve.
