How to Navigate Your Insurance

Step One: Call your insurance company. Their member services number should be on the back of your card.

Step Two: Ask if you have “out of network” benefits for mental health care. They may ask, “outpatient or inpatient?” Working with me is considered outpatient care.

Step Three: Find out if you have a deductible that must be met before coverage kicks in. If so, ask them how much you need to pay before your insurance begins to reimburse you for out-of-pocket fees.

Step Four: Ask how much your plan will reimburse you. Ask the representative, “What is the maximum allowed amount for mental health service code 90837 with a therapist, and what percentage of the maximum allowed amount will my plan pay?” This percentage of the maximum allowed amount is the amount you would receive as reimbursement.