Many people view cost as a significant blocker when it comes to seeking mental healthcare services. They believe that because they wonโt be able to afford treatment, there isnโt any purpose in exploring the options available to them. This misconception is incredibly harmful and is a major contributing factor for lower-income individuals not seeking help for issues involving mental health or substance abuse.
Research conducted by the National Institute of Health (NIH) states that children and families in poverty are the least likely to seek help or treatment for mental health issues, citing accessibility as one of their primary blockers. These individuals make up 33% of the entire impoverished population within the United States and continue to grow each year.
While mental health services could stand to be made more accessible, there are many affordable or even free mental health services available for people in need today. This article will provide insight into how to find affordable mental services, as well as address some common questions and concerns of individuals seeking help.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coverage?
Substance abuse and mental issues are often linked. Individuals experiencing untreated or undiagnosed mental health issues have an increased likelihood to self-medicate with harmful substances. This relationship works in the opposite direction as well, with substance abuse making people more likely to develop issues with their mental health. As such, it is critical to have a health care plan in place that enables you to seek care for both of these types of issues simultaneously and understand the options that are available to you.
Finding Affordable Mental Health Services
It can be very intimidating trying to find affordable or even free mental health services. That being said, it is important to remember that there are always options available, as well as people and organizations looking to help you along the way in your journey toward long-lasting recovery.
According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), many mental healthcare professionals offer โsliding-fee scaleโ payment options, where you pay for care based on your income. If price is a major consideration in your recovery plan, make sure to ask potential facilities if they offer sliding-fee scale pricing or other low-cost options.
Where Do I Look for Affordable Health Insurance?
Selecting a health insurance plan can be a difficult, intimidating, and even daunting task for those who do not know the options that are available to them. The Health Insurance Marketplace, sometimes referred to as a health exchange, is a service that helps people shop for and enroll in health insurance plans.
In most states, this is a marketplace operated by the federal government, but some states have elected to run their own marketplace. Through this marketplace, individuals can see if they qualify for premium tax credits or services such as Medicaid that make mental healthcare services more affordable or even free.
Key Features of All Health Insurance Marketplace Plans
All plans listed in the Health Insurance Marketplace cover mental health and substance abuse services as essential health benefits and cover pre-existing medical conditions from your first day of coverage at no additional cost. Additionally, marketplace plans canโt place any yearly or lifetime restrictions on the coverage of any essential benefits.
This extends to mental health and substance abuse services through the parity rule that exists within the Health Insurance Marketplace, which states that the limit placed on mental health or substance abuse coverage must be equal to the medical or surgical benefits offered in each plan. There are, however, a few key limitations on this parity where coverage amounts can differ. These limitations include the following:
- Care management: Authorization requirements for treatment services
- Financial: Deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and out-of-pocket limits
- Treatment: Duration of coverage, typically measured in days or visits
What is the Best Option for Affordable Mental Health Services?
Medicaid is one of the most commonly used programs to make mental healthcare more affordable and accessible to the average individual, but it is not the only option available to those needing mental health services. Figuring out if you are eligible for Medicaid is an excellent place to begin your search for affordable mental health assistance.
Federal law requires every state to cover all individuals belonging to select groups, such as low-income families, qualified pregnant women and children, and those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. In recent years, however, select states have begun to expand the Medicaid eligibility requirements through the Affordable Care Act of 2010, allowing more people to have access to affordable mental health services. As such, it is always worthwhile to look at the specific eligibility requirements of the state you live in, as they can differ slightly.
A great resource for anyone searching for additional Medicaid questions and answers is the Medicaid website, which further breaks down eligibility requirements and the scope of coverage provided by the program. For individuals seeking specific information about California’s Medicaid program, refer to the Medi-Cal benefits overview page.
Alternative Options for Affordable Care
If, for some reason, you are not eligible for Medicaid or need services not offered by the program, other programs exist designed to help individuals find affordable or even free mental health services and inpatient mental health programs.
A few examples of these programs include state programs for uninsured individuals suffering from mental health issues (you can use the SAMHSA database to easily find such programs), low or no-cost health centers, support groups, or even university resources for currently enrolled college students.ย
Get to Know Your Options With Purposes Recovery
Purposes Recovery is a haven for multiple forms of healing from addiction. As a leading luxury detox center in Los Angeles, they offer several inpatient mental health programs designed to empower individuals to live fuller lives through long-lasting recovery from their mental health and substance abuse issues.
Call Purposes Recovery today and speak to one of their trained representatives for a free consultation at +1 (888) 482-0717 to see what options you have available to you and begin your recovery journey today.
