The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released data highlighting the continued impact the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is having on the utilization of mental health services. The numbers were alarming. The data showed that Medicare Beneficiaries had forgone millions of mental health care visits and that mental health services are having the slowest rebound. This may have a substantial impact on long-term health outcomes.
Mental health conditions, like depression or anxiety, can happen at any time to anyone. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following:
Thoughts of ending your life
Sad, empty, or hopeless feelings
A lack of energy
Trouble concentrating
Trouble sleeping
Little interest in things you used to enjoy
Weight loss or loss of appetite
Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
Loss of self-worth
Social withdrawal and isolation
Medicare cares about your mental health and offers services to support you through Part A and Part B!
If you have Part A and you are an inpatient in a general or psychiatric hospital, Medicare helps pay for therapy, lab tests, and other services.
If you have Part B, Medicare it helps cover mental health visits you would get from a doctor and services you generally get outside of a hospital. These include but are not limited to:
One depression screening per year (Free if your doctor accepts assignment)
Family Counseling
Individual and group psychotherapy
Psychiatric evaluation
Medication management and prescriptions
Diagnostic tests
Partial hospitalization
Please view the Medicare and You video regarding Mental Health Benefits here.
HICAP counselors are here to help you navigate your coverage and support you during these difficult times. Please give us a call for free, unbiased, and confidential assistance at (559) 224-9117 MondayFriday 8am -5pm.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800- 273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889). You can call and speak with a counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 911 if you're in immediate medical crisis.