By Teresa Greenhill
Mental health difficulties can strike at any age. Even seniors can experience problems like anxiety and depression. According to Mental Health America, more than two million Americans over the age of 65 live with some form of depression, for instance. Possible symptoms include feelings of sadness and hopelessness, loss of concentration, unusual sleep patterns, suicidal thoughts, and a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. If you identify such signs, note that help is available — and you may even be able to use Medicare to pay for it. Find out how to use your benefits for mental health services below.
Understand Your Current Plan
To figure out how to tap into Medicare for mental health, you first need to understand your plan. Original Medicare consists of three parts: Part A is your hospital insurance, Part B is your medical insurance, and Part D covers prescription drugs. Medicare Part A may cover mental care only as long as you are a hospital inpatient. Medicare Part B, on the other hand, can cover outpatient visits with doctors, including psychiatrists.
There is also an alternative known as Medicare Advantage, which bundles together the three parts described above. In terms of mental health, it provides a more comprehensive coverage, including care from social workers, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists. Additionally, case management is an added component that won’t be provided with Original Medicare. With this process, all facets of your treatment are linked in a cooperative framework with the aim of providing holistic, individually tailored care to address both body and mind.
Take Advantage of the Open Enrollment Period
Review your current Medicare offering and see if you need to expand your coverage. For example, perhaps the antidepressants you require are not covered under Medicare Part D but could be covered under Medicare Advantage; you will likely save money in the long term by transitioning. The Open Enrollment Period, held from October 15 to December 7 every year, is the timeframe in which you can adjust your coverage.
When looking at Medicare Advantage plans to switch to, shop around and take all of your healthcare needs into account. For example, some Advantage plans cover mental health programs, prescription drug coverage, health coaching, and even some transportation to medical appointments. It’s also possible to get vision, hearing, and dental needs covered as well. When considering your needs, keep your future requirements in mind; just because you don’t need hearing services now doesn’t mean you won’t down the line.
Find Providers in Your Area Who Will Be Able to Help
Once you have the appropriate Medicare coverage, you can search for mental health professionals who accept Medicare. Psychology Today has a convenient online platform that allows you to search for therapists accepting Medicare via city or zip code. If there are no professionals nearby, you may even be able to benefit from telehealth. Platforms like American Well offer services specifically for those enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. Additionally, in future Medicare is expected to expand its telehealth coverage. These services are also ideal for those with limited mobility since they can be done from home.
After a lifetime of working hard, you want to make the most of your post-retirement years. Don’t let mental health struggles get in the way. Follow the above tips and get proactive about protecting your mental health as you get older. As soon as you notice potential symptoms of depression, consult a professional. These issues rarely resolve on their own, but with appropriate guidance, they can be overcome. With the help of a licensed mental health practitioner, you can return to your happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Author: Teresa Greenhill is the co-creator of MentalHealthForSeniors.com, which is dedicated to providing seniors with information on physical and mental fitness so that they can be active and happy in their golden years.
Photo credit: Pexels
