Mental health issues and emotional suffering demand professional assistance. One in five people has a mental disorder, and one in twenty has a serious one. Anxiety, depression, and PTSD are the most common mental disorders (PTSD). Less than half of mentally ill Americans receive care. We evaluated the leading mental health insurance providers based on plan options, cost, state availability, and plan ratings. We chose insurers that offer depression management to users of healthcare.gov.
List of Contents
Best for Health Management Programs: Oscar
Pros & Cons
Pros
✔ The largest variety of health management programs
✔ Affordable plans with depression management
✔ Telehealth at no cost to the patient
✔ Excellent mobile app
Cons
✘ Purchase only permitted in 21 states
✘ Low NCQA plan grade
Why We Chose It
Consider purchasing an insurance policy that includes a health management plan for your sickness. Oscar provides the most significant health management packages for depression, asthma, and diabetes.
Oscar’s depression programs are inexpensive. Oscar was our “best affordable overall” health insurance provider. While not the lowest plan in the areas we investigated, its costs are, on average, less expensive—more options at a reduced cost.
With most plans, Oscar gives free urgent and general care. The Oscar mobile app allows users to schedule appointments, refill prescriptions, and see ID cards. You may earn Amazon gift cards with step tracking.
Oscar’s plans are accessible in 21 states and are rated two out of five stars by healthcare.gov. The average NCQA rating for the company’s plans is 2.75 out of 5 stars, the lowest among our suppliers.
Best for Customer Satisfaction: Kaiser Permanente
Pros & Cons
Pros
✔ J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores are the highest.
✔ Excellent average NCQA plan rating
✔ Members have access to complimentary mental health resources.
Cons
✘ Plans are marketed in eight states and the District of Columbia.
✘ Limited plan types
Why We Chose It
In the J.D. Power 2022 Commercial Member Health Plan Study, Kaiser Permanente received the highest customer satisfaction in five areas.
In our evaluations of health insurance for college students and small companies, it received the highest “customer satisfaction” rating.
Kaiser earned the highest average NCQA plan rating of all the providers we analyzed, 4.27 out of 5, indicating their commitment to planning quality and member satisfaction.
Kaiser’s health plans provide coverage for mental health therapy and free applications such as Calm, Ginger, and myStrength. Most programs include complimentary telehealth services.
Kaiser plans are only available in eight states and the District of Columbia, and PPOs are not available, so you must stay in-network.
Largest Provider Network: Blue Cross Blue Shield
Pros & Cons
Pros
✔ CVS MinuteClinics offer low-cost or free medical care.
✔ Mental health administration instruments and resources
✔ A premium tax credit can pay all plan expenses in full.
Cons
✘ ACA plans are not accessible countrywide.
✘ Total plan expenses might be substantial.
Why We Chose It
BlueCard allows BCBS members to obtain coverage outside of their local service territory. Nationwide, the insurer’s network includes 1,7 million physicians and hospitals.
Telehealth services for mental health are available to plan participants. Blue365 provides discounts on vacations, fitness trackers, hearing aids, eye exams, vitamins, and nutritious meals.
J.D. Power rates BCBS top in 12 customer satisfaction categories. Healthcare.gov offers plans with four stars. It frequently features on our “best of” lists, receiving “best overall” in our assessments of the top health insurance providers, the best catastrophic health insurance providers, and the best health insurance for small businesses.
BCBS is also not the cheapest option. The lowest BCBS plan in Miami-Dade County, Florida, that covers depression management is $359,82 a month. The lowest plan in El Paso County, Texas, costs $30 more.
Best for “Urgent” Care: Aetna
Pros & Cons
Pros
✔ CVS MinuteClinics offer low-cost or free medical care.
✔ Mental health administration instruments and resources
✔ A premium tax credit can pay all plan expenses in full.
Cons
✘ ACA plans are not accessible countrywide.
✘ Total plan expenses might be substantial.
Why We Chose It
CVS MinuteClinics provide Aetna members low-cost or no-cost mental health counseling on the same day. Consider this option if you live near a CVS and require same-day treatment for a minor illness or injury. Aetna provides telemedicine for general care and mental health consultations in addition to MindCheck®.
Every Aetna plan purchased on the federal Marketplace is eligible for full tax credits, meaning that if you qualify, your premium may be $0 per month. If you do not qualify for a premium tax credit, Aetna’s plan costs are typical. In other regions, 2023 plans are more affordable. The lowest bronze premium in El Paso County, Texas, in 2022 was $315.16. Aetna offers a premium bronze plan for 2023 for $286.40 per month. We hope the success of Aetna spreads.
Conclusion
One of the last things you want to do is worry about selecting the greatest health insurance for your mental health. Start by giving the providers on this list some thought. Check to see which are offered in your region. Pricing may not be as important to you if you are eligible for the advance premium tax credit, but when the tax credit is applied, Aetna’s plans will probably cost you nothing. Oscar has the most plan options at the lowest price point if you’re ineligible for the tax credit, yet it might not be the most affordable overall. Consider a Kaiser or BCBS plan if customer satisfaction and service are your top priorities.
FAQs
Consider the coverage provided for mental health services, including therapy and medication. Look at the cost of premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, as well as the network of mental health providers available. Check the insurance company’s reputation for customer service and claims processing.
Review the details of your insurance plan and determine if the denial was based on a misunderstanding or error. Consider appealing the decision, and consult with a mental health professional or advocacy group for support.
Not all insurance plans include mental health coverage. However, under the Affordable Care Act, most plans must provide some level of coverage for mental health services. Thus, you need to check your plan for details.
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Source: Investopedia