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Medicare Moments Medicare and Mental Health Benefits
Did you know that, since the start of the pandemic, it has been shown that anxiety and depression among older people has more than doubled (Kaiser Family Foundation). Sadly, many older adults go undiagnosed and untreated for mental health conditions because symptoms such as anxiety and depression are mistakenly thought to be normal signs of aging.
In addition, many older people have chronic conditions, and medication side effects from these conditions can mimic or even exacerbate mental health issues. Further, some adults don’t seek treatment out of fear, and believe having a mental illness is a weakness.
There is Good News! Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans will provide coverage for both inpatient (Part A-hospital coverage) and outpatient (Part B-medical coverage) mental health treatment from psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and (as of January 1, 2024) newly approved marriage and family therapists and licensed mental health counselors.
Advantage Plans may impose different rules, restrictions, and costs. Medicare Part D will cover most prescription drugs used to treat mental health conditions, but it is always wise to check your policy’s drug formulary. Available outpatient (Part B) mental health benefits include:
- Annual depression screening by a primary care physician.
- Testing and psychiatric evaluation.
- Medication management.
- Individual and group psychotherapy.
- Annual alcohol use disorder screening.
- Opioid use disorder treatment.
- Partial hospitalization.
- Family counseling.
- Activity therapies, such as art, dance, or music therapy.
If you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis, free help is available:
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 to connect to a trained counselor.
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1. Text 838255. 24/7 support.
- Disaster Distress Hotline: Call or text 800-985-5990. 24/7 support.
Let a trained SHINE Counselor assist you with this and all your Medicare questions. To talk to a SHINE Medicare Counselor today: Call the Elder Helpline at 866-467-4624.
SHINE is a Program of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and is offered locally by Advantage Aging Solutions. SHINE provides free and unbiased health insurance counseling through a network of volunteers, empowering Florida seniors to make informed health choices. Cost savings could be yours too through the Medicare Savings and Extra Help Programs.
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