Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance for Mental Health Treatment

Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance for Mental Health Treatment

Millions of children and adults alike struggle with depression at any given time in the US alone. Anyone who has suffered from depression understands the importance and significance of seeking proper treatment or therapy. For those who are treatment-resistant after trying traditional medications along with therapy or counseling, finding relief may seem overwhelming at times.

With Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), it is possible for those who are considered treatment-resistant to get the relief they need without risky prescription medications, mood stabilizers, or other high-risk treatments. If you are wondering does insurance cover depression treatment, it is important to familiarize yourself with the types of mental health treatments your current provider covers.

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS, is a brainwave stimulation treatment that is a non-invasive and therapeutic solution to reducing depressive and compulsive symptoms. With TMS, each session lasts approximately 18 minutes and is done in a comfortable and relaxing environment. A device is put into place around the patient’s head, including a metal coil that helps to transmit magnetic waves to various and specific areas of the brain.

During the process of the treatment, different areas of the brain are then stimulated, which can help with the overall healing process of traumatic incidents as well as with symptoms of depression, OCD, and even PPD, or Postpartum Disorder.

How Does the Affordable Care Act Help With Mental Health Coverage?

Currently, the Affordable Care Act, or ACA, does help with mental health coverage. The national law currently mandates that the ACA requires both individual and small business health plans to cover mental health treatments that are deemed medically necessary for individuals of any age.

The Affordable Care Act currently provides coverage for those in need of psychiatric care, psychological assistance, inpatient treatment, as well as IOP solutions, or intensive outpatient programs. Depending on your current insurance provider, transcranial magnetic stimulation may also be covered as it has been approved by the FDA as a viable treatment for a variety of conditions and mental health ailments.

How Do Deductibles and Co-Pays Work?

A deductible is the required amount due by the individual holding an insurance policy before the policy begins to cover treatments and care. If your current insurance policy’s deductible is $1000, you will be required to pay $1000 out-of-pocket before you are able to gain access to all of the coverage benefits that your current policy provides.

A co-pay is typically referred to as a fixed service fee for those in need of healthcare services such as appointments, physicals, prescriptions, and even physical therapy. Co-pays are often predetermined based on the coverage plan you currently hold as well as your deductible and the type of service or treatment you require. If you are unsure of your deductible or your co-pay prices, you can inquire about your current insurance plan by visiting the official website of your provider or by calling your insurance provider directly.

What Type of Mental Health Coverage Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Provide?

Blue Cross Blue Shield offers an array of mental health treatment options and coverage solutions, including TMS treatment, depending on your current insurance policy. Blue Cross Blue Shield offers treatments and coverage for many mental health conditions like depression. Some of the mental health treatments that are covered by most standard Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance policies include:

  • Individual Counseling: Individual counseling and therapy sessions are typically covered by most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans for individuals
  • Group Therapy: Group therapy, as well as other 12-step programs that are available locally or regionally, may also be covered if necessary
  • Inpatient Treatment: Inpatient treatment centers and rehabilitation facility programs may also be covered with your Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance policy
  • IOP: IOP, or Intensive Outpatient Programs, which provide access to medical professionals and addiction specialists may be covered

If you are currently covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield, you can learn more about the coverage you have by calling the provider directly and by accessing your Blue Cross Blue Shield account directly online. Most Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plans for individuals currently cover mental health services–which may extend to TMS depending on your level of coverage. If you want to know does insurance cover depression treatment, be sure to contact your Blue Cross Blue Shield representative.

Health Benefits of TMS for Depression and OCD in Treatment-Resistant Patients

TMS is a non-invasive magnetic stimulation treatment that helps to reduce depressive symptoms among other mental health condition symptoms in as little as 4 to 5 weeks in total. Those who undergo TMS treatment state that they feel an overall sense of wellbeing and improvement in their daily lives after just a few weeks. Some of the additional benefits that TMS has to offer for those who are struggling with depression and OCD include:

  • Improved Mood: Reduce depressive symptoms and improve your moods and overall sense of well-being with TMS
  • Reduced Anxiety: Reduce anxiety, irritability, and mood swings that you experience with ongoing TMS treatments
  • Improved Sleep: Improve your sleep schedule, helping to boost your overall immune system health
  • Assist with PPD: Assist with PPD, or Postpartum Depression, which is optimal for struggling mothers
  • Reduce feelings of obsessive and compulsive behavior, which is ideal for those who have been medically diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD
  • Improved outlook: Improve your outlook on life and on your future with ongoing TMS sessions

Although TMS may not be the ideal solution for everyone, it may be right for you if you have struggled with multiple medications and therapy treatments in the past. With the right treatment such as TMS, you can learn to naturally reduce depressive and OCD symptoms without introducing new medications with harmful or potentially life-threatening side effects.

To learn more and to see if you qualify for TMS care and treatment with your current insurance, contact Pulse TMS today. Pulse TMS will help you to complete an insurance verification check to ensure that your current insurance policy covers TMS for the treatment of depression.