Does Medicare Cover Mental Health Service
Medicare coverage to treat mental health needs is often overlooked by many Americans. Yet, healthcare must be understood as it can impact relationships and work performance in ways that affect a person’s life.
As such, there are essential questions to ask about whether or not Medicare will cover the inpatient and outpatient mental health services you need for depression or anxiety disorders so you know what resources you have available.
To find out what Medicare pays for Mental health concerns, keep ready.
Table of Contents
How does Original Medicare Cover Mental Health Care Services?
It is important to know how Medicare works before trying to find out if it will provide coverage of mental health inpatient services at a psychiatric hospital or simply obtain care at a community mental health facility.
Medicare is a federally funded program that provides healthcare insurance to people who are over the age of 65, has a disability, or has end-stage renal disease.
Medicare coverage for mental health may be covered under the four parts of Medicare: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. Each part covers different aspects of healthcare.
- Part A is hospital insurance. It covers inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing, hospice, and home health care.
- Part B is medical insurance. It covers doctor’s visits, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, and preventive services.
- Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage. It is a type of Medicare plan that is offered by private companies that have been approved by Medicare. These plans must offer at least the same coverage as Parts A and B, but some plans may also cover extra benefits such as vision, hearing, dental, and prescription drug coverage.
- Part D is prescription drug coverage. It helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.
Mental health benefits can be covered in all four parts of Medicare, depending on how you obtain your mental health services. It is critical to confirm doctor and medical facility will accept the Medicare-approved amount for mental health services you receive prior to receiving treatment.
Confirming the mental health providers accept Medicare assignment will reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
What are the different types of Mental Health Treatment Options Covered by Medicare?
Medicare coverage for inpatient mental health services
Inpatient mental health services are covered by Medicare Part A. This means that if you are admitted to a hospital for mental health treatment, Medicare will cover the cost of your care.
Are outpatient mental health services covered by Medicare?
Yes, outpatient mental health support services are covered by Medicare if you meet eligibility requirements. Medicare provides coverage for a wide range of mental health services, including individual and group therapy, counseling, and psychiatric evaluations.
Will Medicare cover the costs for residential treatment centers?
Medicare does not typically cover the costs of residential treatment centers, which provide long-term care for mental health or substance abuse disorders. However, there are some exceptions.
If a residential treatment center is considered medically necessary for the treatment of a health condition, Medicare may cover some of the costs. In addition, if a residential treatment center is the only place where a particular type of treatment is available, Medicare may also provide coverage.
If you are considering entering a residential treatment center, it is important to check with Medicare to see if your costs will be covered.
Are partial hospitalization mental health services covered by Medicare?
Partial hospitalization mental health services are those that are provided by a provider who accepts Medicare in order to prevent the need for inpatient treatment. These services can include visits with psychiatrists and other doctors, and you will pay 20 percent of the cost of each service you receive. Coinsurance may apply for each day you are hospitalized.
Do Medicare health benefits include Psychotherapy services?
Medicare is a health insurance program that is run by the federal government. It provides coverage for people who are 65 years of age or older, as well as for some younger people with disabilities. Medicare benefits include hospitalization, medical care, and prescription drugs.
Psychotherapy services may also be covered by Medicare, depending on the type of service and the severity of the condition being treated. In general, Medicare will cover psychotherapy services that are considered medically necessary.
This means that the services must be provided by a licensed mental health professional, and they must be ordered by a physician.
Coverage for psychotherapy services may also be available through Medicaid, which is a separate health insurance program that is administered by the states.
Are Psychiatric evaluation services covered by Medicare
Yes, Medicare will cover psychiatric evaluation services.
A psychiatric evaluation is a type of mental health assessment that is typically conducted by a psychiatrist. This type of evaluation can be used to help diagnose mental health conditions, as well as to determine the best course of treatment.
Psychiatric evaluations usually involve a face-to-face meeting with the psychiatrist, during which the psychiatrist will ask questions about the individual’s symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
The psychiatrist may also order laboratory tests or psychological testing to help gather information about the individual’s mental health.
How are medication management services covered by Medicare?
Medication management is a type of mental health service that helps people to manage their medications as their mental health changes. Medicare covers medication management services as part of its coverage for mental health services.
Often times Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage can help pay for medication management services.
These services may include:
- Reviewing your medications (including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements) to make sure they’re safe and effective for you
- Helping you get the most out of your medications by teaching you how to take them correctly
- Identifying and resolving problems with your medications, such as side effects or drug interactions
- Working with your other healthcare providers to coordinate your care
How much does Medicare Cover for Mental Health Care Coverage?
Medicare provides coverage for mental health services including outpatient visits, inpatient stays, and partial hospitalization. Mental health services are considered an essential benefit, which means all Medicare plans must cover them.
However, there is some variation in how much each plan will cover. For example, some plans may have higher copayments or deductibles for mental health services. Additionally, Medicare Advantage plans may offer different coverage levels than Original Medicare.
Your Medicare Supplement insurance policy may cover 100 percent of the costs associated with your mental health services.
It’s important to check with your specific plan to see what is covered. If you need mental health services that are not covered by your Medicare plan, you may be able to get them through a Medicaid waiver program or through private insurance.
How do Medicare and the VA Healthcare System work together to Help Veterans with mental health therapy services?
Medicare and the VA healthcare system are both government-run health insurance programs that provide coverage for a wide range of medical services. Although the two programs are separate, they do work together to provide care for veterans with mental health issues.
Medicare covers most of the costs associated with inpatient mental health care, while the VA provides outpatient care and prescriptions.
In addition, the VA offers a variety of specialized programs and services for veterans with mental health issues, including treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, military sexual trauma, and anxiety.
By partnering with the VA, Medicare is able to provide a comprehensive level of care for veterans with mental health issues.
Do Medicare Beneficiaries with PTSD have access to Mental health Care Benefits?
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression.
Medicare does cover mental health services, including therapy for PTSD.
During a public health emergency, like the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare will also cover telehealth services for mental health counseling.
This means that patients can receive counseling from wherever they are without having to travel to a professional’s office.

Does Medicare Part B Cover Depression Screening Test?
Yes, Medicare Part B does provide mental health coverage for one depression screening per year when provided by your primary care doctor.
Do Medicare Supplement Plans Help with the Costs of Mental Health Counseling?
Medicare supplement plans help cover the costs of mental health services beyond what Original Medicare (Parts A and B) pays for. These services include inpatient hospital care, partial hospitalization, outpatient mental health care, and prescription drugs.
While each plan is different, most will cover at least some of the costs associated with these services.
As a result, Medicare supplement plans can help to make mental health care more affordable for seniors.
In addition, many Medicare supplement plans offer coverage for preventive services, such as annual checkups and screenings. This can help seniors to get the care they need to maintain their mental health and well-being.
Do Medicare Advantage Plans Include Mental Health Care Benefits?
While all Medicare Advantage plans are required to offer the same essential benefits as original Medicare, there is a great deal of variation from one plan to the next in terms of extra coverage.
Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits such as dental, vision, or prescription drug coverage. Others may include coverage for fitness programs or home health services.
However, the picture is less clear regarding mental health benefits. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer extra coverage for mental health services, while others provide only the minimum required by law.
As a result, it’s essential to carefully review your options before enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan. If mental health benefits are crucial, select a health plan with the necessary coverage.
Does Medicare Insurance Cover Mental Health and Substance Use?
While Medicare may cover mental health services, Medicare does not cover most long-term care, including substance abuse treatment.
There are a few instances in which Medicare will cover some aspects of substance abuse treatment, but this coverage is limited. For example, if you are hospitalized for detoxification or treatment of an alcohol or drug-related condition, Medicare will cover your stay in the hospital.
However, once you are discharged from the hospital, you will be responsible for paying for any further treatment.
Some private insurers offer plans that include coverage for substance abuse treatment, but these plans are typically more expensive than those that do not.
If you are struggling with addiction, you must check with your insurance provider to see what coverage they offer for substance abuse treatment.
Are there Mental Health Care Costs Not Covered by Medicare?
While Medicare provides some mental health services coverage, there are some limitations to what is covered.
Medicare will only cover outpatient services considered “medically necessary.” This means that the patient must have a mental health disorder recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to qualify for coverage.
Furthermore, the patient’s symptoms must be severe enough to warrant treatment, and they must receive care from a licensed mental health professional. Unfortunately, this means that many people who could benefit from mental health services cannot obtain coverage through Medicare.
How Do I Find a Medicare Mental Health Service Provider that Accepts Medicare Plans?
Many therapists run small private practices and may only accept cash patients. Before scheduling an appointment, ask if they accept Medicare or are a cash-only business.
We also recommend contacting your local Medicare office and asking for a list of providers in your area. Another way is to search the Medicare website for providers in your area.
You can also ask your family doctor or other health care provider for a referral.
How Much Will Original Medicare Pay Towards Inpatient Treatment Services?
Medicare Part A covers inpatient mental health care services if they are provided in a hospital approved by Medicare. The covered services must be medically necessary, and they must be provided under the supervision of a doctor.
To qualify for coverage, you must also be admitted to the hospital as an inpatient. That means you must stay in the hospital overnight and have a doctor’s order to stay there.
If you meet these requirements, Medicare will pay for a certain number of days of inpatient care. The specific number of days that Medicare will pay for will depend on your diagnosis and the severity of your condition.
Medicare generally pays for up to 190 days of inpatient care per lifetime. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, so you must check with your doctor or hospital to determine how many days of coverage you may be eligible for.
Medicare Beneficiaries may have to pay a copay, deductible, and coinsurance depending on the Medicare plan they are enrolled in. A Medigap plan can cover most, if not all, of these out-of-pocket costs.

What Covers Emergency Care Mental Health Problems?
Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient mental health care services if you have a psychiatric condition that requires:
- Hospitalization for more than 8 hours.
- A stay in a hospital certified by Medicare as a psychiatric facility.
- Admission to a partial hospitalization program (PHP).
- Inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) after you’ve been discharged from the hospital. If you need emergency mental health care, Part A may help cover the cost of benefits received in an emergency department or outpatient mental health center.
These benefits usually require a copayment or coinsurance amount.
Medicare Part B also covers some outpatient mental health services, such as:
- One-to-one counseling
- Family Counseling
- Group therapy
- Psychotherapy
You may need to pay a copayment for these services.
Does Medicaid Provide Mental Benefits?
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources.
Medicaid coverage varies from state to state, but all states must provide emergency mental health services for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, regardless of their income level or whether they have Medicaid coverage.
Contact your state’s Medicaid office to find out what’s covered in your state.
Need a Health Insurance Agency that Specializes in Medicare
If you’re looking for an insurance agency specializing in Medicare, you’ve come to the right place. Insurance Now Insurance Brokers is a leading health insurance provider for seniors and people with disabilities.
We offer a wide range of Medicare plans, including Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement insurance plans, and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
Our Medicare insurance agents offer a variety of supplemental insurance plans to help cover the costs of dental, vision, and hearing care.
Call us at 562-735-3512 to speak with one of our Medicare specialists. We’ll be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the best plan for your needs.