New England Counseling and Consulting

Serving Teens and Adults in CT and MA

Calling Your Insurance Company: Questions to Ask in Order to Get the Answers You Need

Be prepared! Here is a list of questions to ask insurance so you have a thorough understanding of your plan and the cost of therapy.

INSURANCEFINANCESSTARTING THERAPY

Liz Clarkin, LICSW

6/1/20242 min read

man holding a smartphone near the window
man holding a smartphone near the window

The specific details of your health insurance plan you should know include, but are not limited to, the issues covered below:

Note: These items are listed in question form so you know what questions to ask if you need to call your health insurance customer support (on the back of your insurance card) for information.

  • Is my insurance plan active?

  • Did my insurance plan change?

  • Does my plan cover telehealth services for behavioral health (mental health)?

  • Do I have a copay?

  • What is my copay for behavioral health (psychotherapy)?

  • Do I have a deductible?

  • What is my deductible (dollar amount)?

  • What is my coinsurance for behavioral health (psychotherapy) BEFORE I meet my deductible? (percentage of the cost of each session I am responsible for paying until I meet my deductible)

  • What is my coinsurance for behavioral health (psychotherapy) AFTER my deductible is met?

  • On what date does my deductible reset?

  • How do my in-network benefits differ from my out-of-network benefits?

  • What is the copay or deductible for my out of network benefits?

  • Are telehealth behavioral health services covered by my out of network benefits?

Questions to Ask When You Call

Understanding Your Benefits

Navigating the complexities of health insurance can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding what is covered for mental health therapy. It's important to feel empowered to ask the right questions and gather the necessary information to make an informed decision about your care. Knowing the details of your insurance plan will not only help you avoid unexpected costs but also ensure you can access the support you need.

Click here for more information on out of network (OON) benefits. Discover how we can help make utilizing OON benefits much easier for you and decrease the wait for insurance reimbursement.

Understanding your insurance benefits is crucial to accessing and affording the mental health care you deserve. Don't hesitate to contact your insurance provider with these questions to clarify your coverage. By taking these steps, you are advocating for your health and well-being, ensuring that you can receive the necessary support without unnecessary financial stress. Remember, knowledge is power—empower yourself with the right information to make the best decisions for your mental health.

Topics covered: mental health insurance coverage, psychotherapy insurance benefits, health insurance deductible, copay for therapy sessions, behavioral health coinsurance, insurance plan details, understanding insurance for therapy, insurance coverage for mental health, health insurance questions to ask, coping with insurance costs for therapy