Short answer: most Massachusetts health plans cover outpatient psychiatry, including evaluations, medication management and telehealth visits. A short call to your insurer before the first appointment avoids most surprises.
Questions to ask your insurance company
- Is the practice in-network for outpatient mental health?
- Do I need a referral or prior authorization?
- What is my copay or coinsurance for a psychiatric evaluation and for follow-up visits?
- Are telehealth visits covered the same way as office visits?
- Have I met my deductible this year?
Plans Psych Boston accepts
Psych Boston accepts Anthem BCBS, Horizon BCBS, BlueCross BlueShield, Tufts Commercial, Blue Benefit, UnitedHealthcare, UMR, Aetna, Health Plans Inc, Harvard Pilgrim, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, Always Health Partners, Curative and Meritain Health. Our office can help verify your benefits before your first visit.
Mental health parity
Federal and Massachusetts parity laws generally require plans to cover mental health care on terms comparable to medical care. If a claim is denied, ask the plan for the reason in writing; many denials are resolved with additional information from your clinician.
If you are out of network
Ask whether your plan offers out-of-network benefits. Many patients submit an itemized receipt for partial reimbursement.
Ready to start? Learn how to prepare for your first visit or request an appointment.
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 or call 911. Psych Boston is an outpatient psychiatry practice at 35 Bedford St #17, Lexington, MA781-218-9550).