Mental Health Insurance Coverage

Why You Might Need To Know About Mental Health Insurance Coverage

Most people give top priority to evaluating their health insurance plans for benefits such as hospitalization, diagnostic tests, preventative care and prescription drugs. But have you ever considered what is covered under mental health insurance coverage? According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 15% of Americans will suffer some form of mental illness in their lifetime. Mental illness can be as disabling as any chronic illness or physical disability. Unfortunately, many people do not know about mental health insurance coverage and go without help or treatment.

Three Things to Know About Mental Health Insurance Coverage

First, it's important to get a diagnosis. There are over 200 classifications of mental illness and many can be treated with medication and/or therapy. Second, review your current plan for mental health insurance coverage Does your plan have adequate coverage for hospital stays? Are there any dollar limits on treatment? Third, review your group plan for details. Often mental health insurance coverage is managed by a company other than your group plan. Look carefully at not only what is covered but also if additional co-pays or limitations apply.

Mental Health Insurance Coverage and the Law

Under federal law, you may be eligible to use the Family and Medical Leave Act in the event you need to take a leave of absence from work for your own care or to care for a loved one. It also helps to know about the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 which requires employers to provide mental health insurance coverage if they employ 50 or more people. Most states have additional laws ensuring that health plans include mental health insurance coverage. The federally enacted 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is another consumer protection which covers you for pre-existing conditions when you move from one group plan to another.

Mental Health Insurance Coverage: Evaluating Plans

While there are options for you and your loved ones to receive good mental health care, there is no standard answer on what is best for everyone. Take some time to research your current plan, know your rights under law and you'll be in the best position to make an educated decision about mental health insurance coverage if and when the need arises.

Health Insurance Nexus | US : The US Health Insurance Resource, conceptualized in Dec, 2004, is an online portal which provides up-to-date, pertinent information about health insurance in US..