Best Psychologists That Accept Medicare (2024)

Are you searching for the Best Psychologists That Accept Medicare? Look no further! In this comprehensive article, we will be your trusted resource in helping you find exceptional mental health providers who not only meet your needs but also accept Medicare insurance.

• Most psychologists will accept both Medicare and Medicaid as a valid form of health insurance
• Some states offer different Medicaid plans, so make sure to check what your state does and doesn’t cover
• Non-participating providers can still be seen, but you will need to pay out-of-pocket for their services

Trust us to be your go-to resource for reliable information on finding the best psychologists who accept Medicare. Begin your journey towards optimal mental well-being today by entering your zip code and taking advantage of our free and convenient service.

How do I find mental health providers that accept Medicare near me?

There are plenty of resources when it comes to finding therapists that accept Medicaid and Medicare health insurance.

Both the Medicare and Medicaid websites, as well as Physician’s Compare, have extensive results when it comes to providers that accept both forms of coverage.

After providing your state and some personal information, a database of qualified psychologists will be pulled for you.

Other resources to use:

Due to the growing public awareness of the importance of mental health care, more insurers are covering mental health services than ever before.

What does Medicare and Medicaid insurance cover?

Many people who are eligible for Medicare and Medicaid don’t realize they are, especially since the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

But what exactly do Medicare and Medicaid cover?

Medicare Coverage

Medicare Part A covers inpatient mental health care, including the following services:

• Lab tests
• Medications
• Nursing care
• Room fees and meals
• Other related services and supplies
• Therapy and other mental health treatments

There is no coinsurance for the first 60 days of inpatient care. But after that period, people must pay increasing amounts of coinsurance for each day they remain in care.

Medicare mental health providers do have a lifetime limit of 190 days for inpatient treatment in a psychiatric hospital. Once that limit is reached, the fees will fall back to the patient.

Medicare Part B covers outpatient mental health care, including:

• Diagnostic testing
• Psychiatric evaluation
• Medication management
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
• Partial hospitalization programs
• Substance use disorder treatment
• Group and individual psychotherapy
• Activity therapies like art, dance, and music therapy
• Family counseling to address a mental health condition

Medicare Part B has an annual deductible that changes over time. After the deductible is met, Medicare will cover up to 80% of outpatient services, leaving people to pay a 20% coinsurance on the Medicare-approved amount for that service.

Medicare Advantage Plan, also called Medicare Part C, is for any additional coverage. These plans are offered through private insurance companies and cover:

• General practitioners
• Nurse practitioners
• Physicians’ assistants
• Psychiatrists
• Clinical psychologists
• Clinical social workers
• Clinical nurse specialists

Medicare Part D is the plan that covers prescription drugs. It is also administered by private insurance companies and is an optional branch of Medicare.

Medicaid Coverage

To determine eligibility for Medicaid, your income and assets will need to be evaluated. Based on this information, your coverage will vary.

Some states have added a “medically needy” category that allows people with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid to be eligible via a “spend down” process that allows them to subtract their medical expenses from their income.

What kinds of services are often covered by Medicaid?

• Counseling services
• Therapy
• Medication management
• Social work services
• Peer supports
• Substance use disorder treatment

While some benefits are mandatory under federal guidelines, all states are not required to include optional benefits, including psychological services, in their Medicaid plans.

States that offer psychological services in their Medicaid programs will vary widely in what — and how much — they cover. While some states cover psychological treatment, others may only cover psychological evaluations.

Some states only cover psychological services provided at a community mental health center and exclude services provided by psychologists in private practice. States can also limit the number of visits an individual makes each year.

These cases will always vary from state to state, so check with your Medicaid plan to determine which services are covered.

Best Psychologists That Accept Medicare: Key Takeaways

There are plenty of resources to choose from when it comes to researching where to find psychologists that accept Medicare and Medicaid.

Most psychologists will accept both forms of insurance, so finding one will be relatively easy. If you do run into some trouble while searching for one, there are a few different databases you can use in order to find a psychologist in your area.

Now that you’ve learned where to find psychologists that accept Medicare and Medicaid, enter your ZIP code into our tool below and start comparing health insurance quotes today.