Therapy and insurance
Just found out my HMO only provides 20 sessions of therapy per year. My last session will be wednesday, and I just don't think I can afford the sessions any more. This comes at a bad time, when it seems like everything (good and bad) is changing faster and faster during my weight loss process.
I think losing this touchstone might be bad for me right now.
Does anyone have tips on dealing with insurance companies on this matter? It seems like they should continue coverage through a continuing crisis, but I want to walk into the conversation with them armed and ready for whatever they might throw at me.
Anybody have any experience dealing with insurance companies, especially with a mental health issue? My provider is Blue Shield of CA.
7-09
I don't have any personal experiences. However, I do work in the health and insurance business.....If your insurance company is through your employer, then read your Summary Plan Description of your plan. You might also see if your employer offers any Employee Assistance Plans...which could give you access to free counceling sessions (not very many, but even a few can help). Also, read about appeals. You can always write an appeal to see if they will cover X number of visits for the rest of the year. Usually there is a first level and second level of appeal. I know most HMOs run on their own, but sometimes employers are the ones actually paying, so you really want to check the SPD about your options. You can also talk to your therapist and explain what is going on....he/she may be able to lower the cost of visits to allow you to continue or possibly have a payment plan. Your other option is to see if there are any mental health insurances on the public market that woudl allow you to purchase a plan for the rest of the year....but you would need to make sure that woudl not affect your regular plan and then weigh the costs.
HOpe this helps!
Sucess is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill
