Q:
What if my insurer refuses to pay?
A:
Find out if your state has an external appeal process where the treatment denial can be reviewed. Part of convincing insurance companies to pay is giving demonstrable arguments of how bad the consequences could be if they refuse treatment. So that, for them, it becomes a risk management situation. The Mental Health America fact sheet "How To Overturn Managed Care Treatment Denials" and the Kaiser Family Foundation’s "Consumer Guide to Handling Disputes with Your Employer or Private Health Plan" can be helpful tools for facing treatment denials.
Q:
What’s the first place you’d direct people to go if they don’t have any insurance coverage?
A:
For the most affordable care, you can rely on community mental health centers. Many employers also offer excellent Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which can help you (or your family members) locate affordable mental health providers in the community. Many EAPs also provide short-term counseling and support groups. Most states also have programs and benefits for individuals with no health insurance that can help cover the cost of therapy, medications, and other treatment. We encourage callers who don’t have insurance to see if they are eligible for health coverage through Medicaid or other state programs for people who are uninsured.
Money and Health:Paying for Treatments
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