Are Mental Disorders Covered by Health Insurance img

Are Mental Disorders Covered by Health Insurance?

Yes. Health Insurance covers certain mental disorders at various levels and under certain conditions. Before you enroll in a health insurance plan, you need to ensure the provider covers your or a loved one’s condition. If you don’t know where to look for an appropriate provider, check with a health insurance broker in your state. 

A health insurance broker can help you find the right provider, enroll you in a health insurance plan and save you time and money in the process. If you have any further questions about which mental disorders are covered under health insurance, contact Insurance Enterprise today. We are happy to help you with your health insurance needs.

Common Mental Health Disorders Covered by Health Insurance

Below is a quick (but not comprehensive) list of mental health disorders and conditions covered under most health insurance plans.

Depression

Depression is not a simple case of the “blues.” Depression can be a very serious illness that can have long-term effects on your health, both emotionally and physically, if left untreated. When considering choices in health plans, it’s important to know if depression is covered as a pre-existing condition and under what terms.

Depression may be covered under many different health plans as part of mental health and substance use coverage, sometimes called behavioral health coverage. Most plans will cover treatments such as psychotherapy. Medicine for depression and inpatient mental health treatment.

Addiction

Health insurance typically covers substance abuse rehabilitation and various forms of mental health treatment. However, the extent to which your insurance will cover drug or alcohol rehab depends upon a variety of factors, including

  • Your policy’s behavioral health benefits
  • Your rehab treatment provider
  • Your rehabilitation needs

In addition, there may be a limit to the type of treatment your plan covers. For instance, it may only cover therapy, inpatient treatment, or prescription for rehab the first time but may not cover any relapses.

Anxiety Disorder

Pre-existing mental or behavioral conditions like anxiety disorders should be covered with the same deductibles, co-pays, visit limits, etc., as other new—or existing—physical or mental health issues.

However, just because a plan offers coverage for mental health doesn’t mean that all services are automatically covered. For example, stress caused by life changes like a move or financial difficulties may not be covered. Insurance plans should cover stress as a symptom of a medical condition like anxiety disorder.

Bipolar Disorder

Nearly every health insurance provider covers almost every form of bipolar disorder in the U.S. Coverage typically extends to testing and diagnosis, therapy, inpatient treatment, and medication. You will need to get an evaluation and diagnosis from a licensed professional before the health insurance will cover the disorder.

When seeking coverage for bipolar disorder, look for a health insurance provider that provides coverage for

  • Telehealth services
  • An extensive provider network
  • Prescriptions
  • Therapy

Try to find a company that is also available in all 50 states so that you can get the help you need no matter where you live.

Eating Disorders

It is almost impossible to have a healthy body when you exhibit the damaging behavior patterns present in an eating disorder. For this reason, most health insurance companies recognize the need for therapy and treatment for eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia.

Before getting treatment approval for an eating disorder, you should schedule an assessment with your primary care physician. Although a professional consultation is necessary to diagnose an eating disorder officially, there are some common signs and symptoms you can look out for, including:

  • Refusal to eat
  • Obsessive calorie counting
  • Secretive eating habits
  • Periods of binging
  • Preoccupation with weight

Insurers typically cover every major physical and mental health problem associated with eating disorders. Most plans offer 12 therapy sessions per calendar year unless a health care provider recommends additional treatment. In the case of an eating disorder, your health care provider may recommend a total rehabilitation program, and the insurance company will provide coverage accordingly. 

Contact Insurance Enterprise for Premier Health Insurance

If you have questions about group or individual health insurance and need health insurance quotes, contact Insurance Enterprise at 888-350-6605. Speak to a licensed agent and find out more about how you can get an affordable health insurance plan.