How to Pay for a Geriatric Psychiatrist
By: Source: AARP Bulletin Today Date Posted: 2003-07-29 08:43:12
Most Americans who see a geriatric psychiatrist will be relying on Medicare, at least in part, to pay for it.
Medicare Part A covers hospital-based mental health care, including room, meals, nursing and other related services and supplies. Part B helps cover outpatient mental health care, including lab tests and visits with doctors, psychologists and social workers.
Under Medicare Part B, however, there's a 50 percent copayment for outpatient mental health care—as compared with a 20 percent copayment for all other services.
"The lack of parity for mental health treatment is unconscionable," says Douglas Kalunian, M.D., chairman of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry's clinical practice committee. "Despite widespread need, many seniors decline, delay or drop out of treatment because of the high copayment."
If you are in a Medicare+Choice plan, you must receive at least the same mental health coverage as that provided by Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B of the original Medicare plan.
For more information about Medicare coverage for mental health care, download a free copy of "Medicare and Your Mental Health Benefits" (note: PDF file) from Medicare's website, or call (800) 633-4227.
Share
preview