How to Help Seniors Handle the Holiday Blues

As your parents age, the roles youve always known might start to shift. Where once they were the caregivers, suddenly you find yourself stepping into the role of protector and provider. The transition from child to caregiver can feel overwhelming as you take on the responsibility of ensuring their health, safety, and overall well-being.Balancing these new duties with your own lifeyour career, your family, your personal timecan quickly become emotionally and physically draining. Without a clear plan, its easy to feel trapped caring for elderly parents. But with the proper knowledge, preparation, and resources, you can offer your parents the care they deserve without sacrificing your well-being.Caring for aging parents is both rewarding and challenging, but it doesnt have to be done alone. This essential checklist for aging parents will provide you with practical tips and guidance to navigate this new chapter with confidence and compassion.Health & Medical CareManaging your elderly parents physical health is one of the most important ways to ensure they maintain the best possible quality of life in their later years. This involves more than just addressing immediate health issuesits about being proactive in managing chronic conditions, scheduling regular check-ups, and staying informed about their overall health.The goal is to prevent complications before they arise by providing timely care and attention, whether for preventative measures or urgent health needs. Staying organized, keeping track of appointments, and collaborating with healthcare professionals can significantly reduce stress and improve the quality of care your parents receive.Heres a health and medical care checklist for elderly parents to help you stay on top of their care needs:Schedule regular physical exams and screenings: Ensure your parents receive annual check-ups, including vision and hearing tests, blood pressure monitoring, and screenings for conditions like diabetes and heart disease. These routine exams are essential for identifying potential issues early in elderly parents.Create a medication list: Keep an up-to-date list of all prescriptions, including dosages, schedules, and over-the-counter medications. Store medications in a clearly labeled pillbox to help prevent confusion and ensure theyre taken correctly.Set medication reminders: Use phone alerts, caregiver apps, or automatic pill dispensers to remind your parents when its time to take their medications. This helps reduce the risk of missed doses and ensures consistency in their treatment plan.Research and manage chronic conditions: Take the time to learn about any chronic conditions your parents may have, such as diabetes, arthritis, or heart disease. Understanding these conditions can help you anticipate care needs, manage symptoms, and make informed decisions about their treatment.Establish healthcare partnerships: Foster a good relationship with your parents primary care physician and any specialists they see regularly. Open communication with healthcare providers ensures that you stay on top of any changes in your parents health and treatment plans.Arrange for home health aides: If your parents need extra support with medical care or daily activities, consider hiring home health services. These professionals can assist with everything from medication management to personal care, making life easier for both you and your aging parents.Prioritize preventive care: Schedule regular flu shots, vaccines, and cancer screenings (like mammograms and colonoscopies). Preventive care is key to reducing the risk of illness and maintaining your parents health.Organize medical records: Keep a well-organized file of all medical records, including test results, appointment notes, and treatment plans. Having everything in one place ensures that youre always prepared for doctor visits and can quickly reference important information when needed.Living Environment & SafetyA safe and accessible home is essential for reducing accident risks and helping your elderly parents maintain their independence for as long as possible. As mobility, vision, and hearing decline, even minor adjustments to their living space can make a significant difference in both safety and comfort. The right safety measures and accessibility features not only enhance security but also increase their confidence in navigating their environment.Heres a safety checklist for elderly parents to help ensure their home is both secure and comfortable:Perform a safety evaluation. Look for potential hazards around the home, such as loose rugs, uneven flooring, or poor lighting.Install safety modifications: Add grab bars in all bathrooms, check that handrails on staircases are secure, and install non-slip mats in showers or any place with rugs.Optimize the lighting: All areas of the home especially hallways and staircases should be well-lit. Consider adding motion detectors to prevent late-night falls. Declutter common areas: Clear all pathways and high-traffic areas to reduce the risk of tripping or falling.Consider accessibility upgrades: If wheelchair or scooter access is needed, it can be a good idea to install ramps, stairlifts, or wider doorways.Prepare for emergencies: Install smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and an emergency alert system and check the batteries often. Secure essential items: Keep frequently used items, like medication, phones, chargers, and remotes, within easy reach.Financial Management & Legal ConsiderationsOne of the most challenging aspects of caring for aging parents is navigating the financial and legal responsibilities that come with it. The complexity of managing their finances, securing legal protections, and planning for future care can feel overwhelming. However, taking proactive steps now can significantly reduce caregiver stress down the road and help ensure that your parents needs are met without jeopardizing their financial security.Organizing finances and establishing legal safeguards early on is key to maintaining control and providing peace of mind. A strong financial and legal plan not only helps you manage their care more effectively but also protects their assets and honors their wishes.Heres a financial management and legal checklist to guide you through these important tasks:Assess financial health: To get a clear picture of their financial situation, review all income they have coming in and check amounts in savings, investments, expenses, and debts.Set up power of attorney (POA): Someone trustworthy should be appointed to make financial or healthcare decisions if a loved one or a parent becomes incapacitated and unable to do so for themself.Review legal documents: Ensure that your parents Wills and any Trusts are up-to-date. If there have been any significant life changes (e.g., marriages, divorces, births, or deaths), their Estate Plan may need to be revised. An estate attorney or financial planner can help with any necessary updates.Organize important paperwork: Gather all critical documents, including insurance policies, tax records, property deeds, and any legal paperwork like wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Store them in a secure, easily accessible place, such as a fireproof safe or a digital file with encryption.Plan for long-term care costs: Its essential to have open, honest conversations with your parents about the reality of paying for long-term care, whether its assisted living, in-home care, or a nursing home. Research the costs involved and explore funding options like long-term care insurance, Medicaid, or personal savings.Monitor bills and expenses: Alleviate financial stress by setting up automated payments to manage recurring monthly expenses like utilities, car and insurance payments, and credit cards.Explore benefits: Take the time to research government programs that could help reduce financial strain. Check if your parents are eligible for Medicare (healthcare for those 65+), Medicaid (for low-income individuals needing long-term care), or any veteran or pension benefits they may be entitled to. Emotional & Social SupportAs your parents age, emotional well-being becomes increasingly important for maintaining their quality of life. Age-related challengeswhether physical, cognitive, or socialcan take a toll on their mental health. Loneliness in retirement, in particular, is a common issue among older adults, leading to vulnerability and affecting their overall well-being. Research has shown that prolonged loneliness is linked to a higher risk of depression, heart disease, and even cognitive decline.Loneliness in older adults has a significant impact on mental health, potentially leading to depression, anxiety, and even cognitive decline; therefore, actively promoting social engagement and support systems is essential for maintaining well-being in later years. Factors like retirement, losing loved ones, and reduced mobility can heighten social isolation, and loneliness can cause significant mental health and emotional decline. Mental health and overall quality of life can be improved by promoting social engagement and fostering a supportive community network. Talkspace therapist Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSWAs a caregiver, its crucial to foster connections and create opportunities for meaningful social engagement. Helping your parents maintain a strong social network and encouraging regular social interactions can significantly enhance their happiness, boost their mental health, and improve their overall quality of life.Heres a checklist to ensure their emotional needs are met:Encourage regular social activities: Help your parents stay connected to a vibrant social circle by encouraging regular interactions with friends, family, or community groups. Whether its attending local events, joining senior clubs, or meeting up for coffee, staying socially engaged is vital for their emotional well-being.Monitor mental health: Be attentive to signs your elderly parent needs help, such as withdrawal from activities, irritability, or changes in sleep or appetite. If you notice symptoms of depression or loneliness, address the concerns early on. Promote hobbies and interests: Encourage your parents to continue doing the things they love. Whether its gardening, knitting, playing cards, doing puzzles, or listening to music, providing them with opportunities to engage in familiar, enjoyable activities can boost their mood, stimulate their mind, and reduce feelings of isolation.Facilitate communication: Thanks to modern technology, staying in touch is easier than ever. Set up video calls or phone check-ins to stay connected, and encourage other family members and friends to do the same. Arrange for mental health resources: Ensure your parents have access to professional support if they need it. This may include therapy or counseling to address issues like anxiety, depression, or stress. Many therapists offer in-home visits, or there may be online counseling options available that fit their needs.Celebrate milestones: Make special dates like birthdays, anniversaries, and other meaningful occasions memorable by organizing small celebrations or even virtual gatherings. A phone call, video chat, or thoughtful gesture can go a long way in showing them they are loved and appreciated.Daily Living & Personal CareAs your parents age, daily tasks and personal care may become more challenging. However, these tasks are essential for maintaining their dignity and comfort, both physically and mentally. Supporting them in managing these activities helps them feel cared for while also preserving their independence as much as possible. With thoughtful planning, you can ensure their needs are met consistently and with respect.Heres a daily living and personal care checklist for elderly parents:Help with grooming and hygiene: Assist your parents with bathing, dressing, and grooming, providing support while respecting their independence. Adaptive tools can make these tasks easier and help them feel more comfortable and dignified.Prepare nutritious meals: Create meals that meet dietary restrictions, needs, or preferences. If cooking is a challenge, consider meal planning or delivery services to ensure theyre getting proper nutrition without the stress.Promote physical activity: Encourage gentle exercises like walking, stretching, water aerobics, or gentle yoga to keep them active and mobile. These activities not only boost physical health but also improve mood and energy levels.Provide reliable transportation: Arrange safe, stress-free rides for appointments, errands, or social outings, ensuring your parents can stay connected and independent without the worry of transportation.Adapt routines when needed: Establish a daily routine that balances activity and rest, providing structure and security. A predictable schedule helps reduce anxiety and ensures your parents are getting the care they need.End-of-Life Planning & WishesDiscussing end-of-life plans is never easy, but its essential to honor your parents wishes. Open conversations and careful planning provide comfort, reduce stress, and ensure everyone is prepared when the time comes. By addressing these critical topics now, you can focus on creating meaningful memories together in the future.Consider this checklist for end-of-life planning and wishes:Discuss advanced directives: Have an open conversation about your parents wishes for future medical care. Encourage them to create an advanced directive, such as a living will or healthcare proxy, to ensure their preferences are followed if they can no longer communicate their wishes.Create a funeral or memorial plan: Talk about their preferences for a funeral or memorial service. Discuss whether they have any specific ideas about the ceremony, location, or who theyd like involved, and document these wishes to make things easier for the family when the time comes.Establish a legacy plan: Help your parents gather important family information they wish to pass down, such as photos, letters, or keepsakes. Discuss any items or assets they want to leave to specific people, family members, charities, or organizations. A legacy plan ensures that their memories and wishes are preserved for future generations.Review insurance and benefits: Ensure life insurance policies and other benefits are up-to-date and that all beneficiaries are accurate. Confirm coverage details and address any gaps to provide financial security for your parents and their loved ones.Explore hospice care options: Research and understand hospice care options, ensuring that your parents will receive compassionate, personalized care when the time comes. Having these arrangements in place ahead of time ensures a smoother transition and greater peace of mind.Self-Care for the CaregiverBeing a caregiver for older parents is one of the most compassionate roles you can take on, but its also one of the most demanding. Even with the best intentions, caregiving can leave you physically, mentally, and emotionally drained. Neglecting your own well-being can lead to caregiver burnout, stress, or even depression, making it harder to provide the care your parents need.Taking time for self-care isnt a luxuryits a necessity. By prioritizing your own health and happiness, youll be better equipped to continue offering support to your parents in the long run. The below self-care tips for caregivers will help you maintain balance and well-being as you navigate your caregiving journey.Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to avoid taking on more than you can handle. Define the tasks youre responsible for, and dont hesitate to delegate when needed. Take regular breaks: Schedule regular breaks to rest, relax, and recharge. Whether its a few minutes each day or a weekend getaway, time away from caregiving is critical to maintaining your physical and mental health. Practice stress management: Incorporate relaxation techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or yoga into your routine. These practices can help reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and clear your mind, making you more resilient in the face of caregiving challenges.Seek support: Dont hesitate to lean on others for help. Join a caregiver support group, talk to friends, or confide in family members. Sharing your experiences and feelings can provide a sense of relief and remind you that youre not alone in your journey.Stay active: Physical activity is crucial for both your body and mind. Regular exercisewhether its walking, swimming, or light stretchinghelps maintain your energy levels, reduce stress, and boost your mood.Eat well and sleep enough: Fuel your body with nutritious foods, drink plenty of water, and prioritize restful sleep. A healthy diet and sufficient rest will keep your mind sharp, your body energized, and your stress levels in check.Consider therapy: If youre feeling emotionally overwhelmed or struggling with the demands of caregiving, consider therapy. A therapist can teach you how to navigate the emotional demands caregiving requires.The physical and emotional demands of caregiving can leave caregivers feeling rundown and overwhelmed. With a lack of privacy and competing responsibilities, caregiving for your parents can often feel like a reversal of roles.  Talkspace therapist Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSWSupporting Your Parents Well-Being with TalkspaceCaring for aging parents is a deeply rewarding yet often overwhelming experience, and it can take a significant emotional and physical toll on both you and your loved ones. Recognizing that you need support is an essential step in maintaining your own mental and emotional well-beingand ensuring your parents receive the care they deserve.While a comprehensive checklist for caring for elderly parents is a great start, sometimes you need additional help to navigate the challenges of caregiving. Thats where Talkspace comes in. Talkspace offers accessible, affordable online therapy options for both you and your parents, ensuring that both of you can receive the mental health support you need, right when you need it.For you, individual therapy can be a lifelinehelping you manage the stress, anxiety, and burnout that often accompany caregiving responsibilities. For your parents, we offer online therapy covered by Medicare, making mental health care affordable and accessible.Explore Talkspace today to discover how easy it is to get the help you need, for both you and your parents, whenever and wherever you need it.Sources:Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks. National Institute on Aging. April 23, 2019. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks. Accessed November 18, 2024.Talkspace articles are written by experienced mental health-wellness contributors; they are grounded in scientific research and evidence-based practices. Articles are extensively reviewed by our team of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists of various specialties) to ensure content is accurate and on par with current industry standards.Our goal at Talkspace is to provide the most up-to-date, valuable, and objective information on mental health-related topics in order to help readers make informed decisions.Articles contain trusted third-party sources that are either directly linked to in the text or listed at the bottom to take readers directly to the source.

If youre wondering if Medicaid covers therapy, the short answer is yes. However, theres more to it than just a simple yes or no answer. While its true that a Medicaid plan offers benefits for certain mental health services like counseling, you must meet the criteria to be eligible. Further, the exact coverage for Medicaid services youll have will vary depending on factors like what state you live in.Learning whats covered as part of Medicaid mental health benefits and what isnt covered can save you time, reduce your stress level, and, ultimately, save you money.Read on to learn more about affordable mental health treatment options you can access if you have Medicaid coverage. Were discussing everything from how many therapy sessions Medicaid covers to Medicaid therapy limitations and more.Does Medicaid Cover Therapy & Mental Health Care Services?Yes, you can gain access to mental health services, including therapy, with Medicaids mental health coverage, but there are some things to consider.State-specific variationsThe federal government sets baseline requirements for Medicaid services, but states can shape and design individual mental health service programs as they see fit, as long as theyre within federal guidelines and parameters. This means that different states can have different Medicaid plan variations that offer different behavioral health benefits.Some states may offer broader coverage for behavioral health services, such as unlimited therapy sessions or comprehensive treatments for substance use disorder, while others may impose stricter limitations on the number of therapy sessions or types of mental healthcare covered. For example, specific treatment and counseling services covered in California, may not be accessible under a plan in Florida. Its important to review your specific health plan and ask questions about what mental health services Medicaid covers in your state.Provider variationsAnother important factor to consider is provider availability, and the types of behavioral health professionals Medicaid covers. NetworkMedicaid programs may have different networks of approved providers, meaning that not every mental healthcare provider will accept Medicaid. This could limit your options when seeking a therapist, psychiatrist, or counselor for your care. For example, some Medicaid services may only be available through a federally qualified health center (FQHC), while others allow for more flexibility in choosing private providers who accept Medicaid. Type of providerAdditionally, Medicaid coverage may vary by the type of provider you need. For instance, some Medicaid plans may fully cover cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or behavioral therapy provided by licensed social workers, but not by psychologists or certain specialists. In other cases, certain mental health conditions like severe substance abuse or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may require specialized care, and the availability of these specialists within the Medicaid network can differ.Its always a good idea to verify whether your preferred mental health care provider is part of the Medicaid network and to explore the options available to you for getting mental health support. Learn how to find a therapist covered by your insurance to ensure you have access to the mental health care you need without unexpected costs.Mental Health Services Covered by MedicaidMedicaid provides healthcare benefits to millions of Americans. It offers essential physical and mental health coverage to eligible low-income adults, pregnant women, elderly adults, children, and people living with disabilities. While therapy covered by Medicaid is virtually a given for anyone with a diagnosed mental health condition, the scope of coverage varies, and not all services are allowed.Mental health services that Medicaid typically covers include:Outpatient psychotherapy also known as talk therapySessions with psychologists, counselors, therapists, psychiatrists, and clinical social workersBehavioral therapyMedication managementPsychiatric medicationsCommunity-based services such as case management and support groups for recovery ( available in some states )Some in-patient services for children and adults 21 years and youngerSubstance use disorder treatmentLimitations in Medicaid Mental Health CoverageLike any healthcare plan, there are limitations to Medicaid therapy coverage. Understanding coverage limits and exclusions is crucial so you can be prepared for any therapy costs you might be financially responsible for as a Medicaid recipient.Number of therapy sessions coveredThe number of therapy sessions covered by Medicaid per year is one aspect that varies widely from state to state. In some states, Medicaid recipients have comprehensive benefits that will pay for an extensive number of sessions annually. Other states cap benefits after a certain number of visits.Types of treatments not coveredSome mental health services fall outside the scope of what Medicaid offers and, thus, arent covered at all. Examples generally include anything considered experimental or not widely recognized by medical standards and treatments that arent heavily research-based.Most of the following services arent covered in the majority of states:Holistic therapy and treatmentsMarriage counselingCouples counseling servicesSessions with a life coachMassage therapyExperimental therapiesAromatherapyState program differencesThe differences between state programs range from the maximum number of sessions to the types of treatment that will be covered.Covered services: Factors like local regulations or budget constraints within state-specific Medicaid programs can mean something that might be commonly covered in one state but is a no-go in another.Cost: Nearly all states have Medicaid programs that offer mental health services at no cost. States that do require a copay typically make the rates very affordable in some cases, as low as $2 $4 per visit.Number of visits allowed: As noted, some states cap how many therapy session visits a Medicaid recipient can have in a year. Others set no limits and will enable you to have as many as you want or need. If you live in a state that only lets you have a set number of therapy visits, the cost of any sessions beyond that limit will be your financial responsibility.How to Check Your Medicaid Mental Health CoverageUnderstanding the benefits and services you have under Medicaid starts with looking at the guidelines and provisions of your states program. 1. Identify your states Medicaid programWhile a seemingly straightforward step, identifying your states Medicaid program is critical because each state can have slight nuances that are important to be aware of. Not only can benefits vary, but eligibility for coverage and the enrollment process can also be different.To find this information, you can visit the official Medicaid website for your state or contact your states Department of Health and Human Services. You can get comprehensive details on Medicaid coverage, including how to apply, eligibility criteria, and the specific mental health services covered.2. Access your Medicaid account onlineOnce you know your states program and where to find resources and support, you can create and access a personal account online (in most states). This is a simple way to review plan specifics without sitting on hold or waiting for return calls, emails, or mailed information or documents.3. Review your Medicaid plan detailsThe most essential part of checking Medicaid therapy coverage is assessing your programs plan details. You should fully understand what mental health services are covered and available to you, including things like:Therapy sessionsCounseling availabilityMedication and prescriptions4. Utilize tools and resources provided by your stateTake advantage of tools like plan comparison charts and benefit summaries on your states website. These resources are designed to simplify complex details and make them more digestible.5. Understand service limits and requirementsTo get a comprehensive understanding of service limits and requirements, take note of things like caps on the number of sessions and any mandated requirements. You should also find out if prior authorizations are necessary or if youll need a primary care referral before seeking treatment.6. Contact your states Medicaid office for personalized assistanceIf youre feeling overwhelmed or still have questions, contact your local Medicaid office directly. Its a smart way to get the answers you need. Youll find personalized assistance and support to navigate the program.Get Affordable Online Mental Health TreatmentFinding the right mental health services can be challenging, especially when cost is a concern but its important to know that options do exist via Medicaid therapy coverage. For many people, the perception that therapy is too expensive can be a barrier, but using Medicaid insurance can significantly reduce the cost and make mental health care more accessible. If youre unsure how to pay for therapy with insurance, you can get one step ahead when you understand that mental health services and therapy covered by Medicaid can differ by state. Now, you can explore the avenues available for cost-effective or no-cost treatment for your mental health condition. Note that Medicaid doesnt currently cover Talkspace online therapy. Check what forms of payment Talkspace accepts at this time.Online therapy platforms like Talkspace are taking the concept of affordable mental healthcare even further. Not only is the out-of-pocket expense for online therapy often less than traditional therapy, but Talkspace has also partnered with most major health insurance providers to ensure effective mental healthcare is within reach for everyone.Learn more about how to get therapy by contacting Talkspace today.Sources:Medicaid & Chip How To Information: Beneficiary resources. Medicaid. Accessed January 20, 2024. https://www.medicaid.gov/about-us/beneficiary-resources/index.html#statemenuTalkspace articles are written by experienced mental health-wellness contributors; they are grounded in scientific research and evidence-based practices. Articles are extensively reviewed by our team of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists of various specialties) to ensure content is accurate and on par with current industry standards.Our goal at Talkspace is to provide the most up-to-date, valuable, and objective information on mental health-related topics in order to help readers make informed decisions.Articles contain trusted third-party sources that are either directly linked to in the text or listed at the bottom to take readers directly to the source.

Research shows those who enroll in government-funded plans are more likely to have mental health needs. Thankfully, Medicares role in covering therapy offers a path for many people to access the critical care they need. That said, navigating Medicares coverage for mental health care services and its limitations can prove difficult. If youre wondering if Medicare covers mental health, youre in the right place.Medicare offers various coverage options to address widespread mental health needs. While the programs complexity can be daunting initially, getting the most out of this resource means learning what services are available and what restrictions you should be aware of as a Medicare beneficiary.Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Medicare coverage for therapy and other mental health services.Note: Medicare covers Talkspace online therapy in select states, with more states to come soon.Does Medicare Cover Therapy & Mental Health Care Services?The short answer is yes. Medicare offers coverage for therapy and a variety of other mental health services. Depending on which part you use, some benefits of Medicare coverage include counseling or therapy, in-patient care, outpatient care, medication management, and certain preventive services.Who Qualifies for Medicare Mental Health Coverage?Medicare mental health coverage is only available for those who meet specific eligibility criteria. To qualify for mental health coverage under Medicare, you must meet one of the following conditions:Be 65 years of age or older.Have a qualifying disability (younger than 65).Have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)If you fall into one of these categories, you may be eligible for Medicare benefits for mental health services including therapy services, counseling, and psychiatric care like prescription drugs for a mental health condition. Mental Health Coverage Under MedicareMedicare therapy coverage and benefits will vary depending on which part of the program youre using. Original Medicare Parts A and B is the foundation.Medicare Part A: In-patient mental health careYou can think of Medicare Part A as hospital insurance. It helps pay for in-patient (meaning youre admitted to the hospital) mental healthcare and covers things like your hospital room, meals, and nursing care. It also covers related services and supplies that might be necessary during your stay.Part A can cover mental health needs like:In-patient room costsMealsNursing careLabsSome medicationsTherapyMedicare part B: Outpatient mental health servicesMedicare Part B can be thought of as medical insurance. It helps pay for outpatient services related to mental health, including visits to mental health professionals like psychiatrists, doctors, clinical psychologists, or social workers. Treatments such as individual or group therapy sessions are covered under Part B.Part B can cover mental health needs like:Wellness visitsIndividual therapyGroup therapyAnnual screenings for depressionPsych evaluationsAppointments with a clinical social workerDiagnostic labs and testsSome medicationsMedicare Advantage Part CMedicare Advantage Part C provides coverage on top of the benefits Parts A and B offer.Medicare Advantage Part C can cover things like:Grief counselingMore telehealth optionsMedicare Part D: Prescription drug coverageMedicare Part D is used to offset the costs of prescription drugs that are useful in managing mental health. For example, Part D of Medicare coverage helps you afford things like mood stabilizers and antidepressants.MedigapWhile not technically part of Medicare, Medigap is sold to help supplement gaps in coverage in the Original Medicare plan. Medigap policies help with mental healthcare costs like copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance.Limitations in Medicare Mental Health CoverageMedicare is a lifeline for many people seeking mental healthcare, but like most things, it does have some limitations. While it generally helps with the cost of the most common mental health treatments, not everything is paid for. Several factors are used to determine what will be covered.Number of therapy sessions coveredWhile therapy is likely a benefit under your Medicare plan, there can be limitations to the number of sessions covered annually by the mental health care provider.Types of treatments not coveredThe type of treatment you receive is another area that can impact coverage and cost as a Medicare beneficiary. While some approaches to mental health like holistic or experimental therapies have gained popularity in recent years, they arent always covered by Medicare. Youll likely be responsible for out-of-pocket costs if you use specific treatments. As an example, Original Medicare therapy coverage doesnt include the cost of pastoral counseling or hemodialysis for schizophrenia. Other areas of care Medicare doesnt cover might include:Private duty nursingToiletries during in-patient staysAdult day healthTransportationPrivate room costs (if not medically necessary)Outpatient mealsData interpretationReport preparationRecreational activitiesHow to Check Your Medicare Mental Health CoverageTo fully understand what Medicare will cover, review your current plan in detail. You can do so by accessing your online account.1. Log in to your Medicare accountLog into your online Medicare account. The secure portal provides specific details about your plan and coverage. The information you find here will help you make healthcare decisions to avoid unexpected costs in the future. Youll get a summary of your coverage and be able to add medication and pharmacies to compare costs for drugs.If you havent created your account yet, the 3-step process is simple make sure you have your Medicare card and then go to the Medicare website:Click the button or link to Create AccountEnter your Medicare numberEnter your Part A coverage start date (just month and year); if you dont have Part A, you can also enter Part B or immunosuppressive drug coverage informationEnter your informationEnter your last name, date of birth, zip code, and email address (if you dont have email, information can be mailed to the address on file; just click the box I dont have an email addressClick the box agreeing to the statementSet up your accountCreate your usernameCreate a passwordSelect and answer a Secret QuestionClick the green Create Account button2. Review your current plan detailsCheck whats covered under your plans mental health benefits. Look for the limitations of each plan type Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, etc. so youre prepared for any financial responsibility. If youre looking for guidance on how to find a therapist covered by insurance, its important to check with your current healthcare provider to understand which mental health professionals and services are included in your plan. 3. Use the Medicare plan finder toolDont be afraid to leverage the portals Medicare plan finder tool. This resource helps you compare different plans and understand your coverage options thoroughly to know which option caters best to your needs and financial situation.4. Check annual notices for changesMedicare benefits can change. Its vital to review essential documents like the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and the Evidence of Coverage (EOC) you receive.Read these documents thoroughly every year youre enrolled in any Medicare plan. Stay informed about significant changes that may affect the type of coverage you have or what mental health services will cost you.5. Contact Medicare for personalized assistanceNavigating any insurance coverage can be a complex and confusing journey. If youre seeking answers to specific questions, dont hesitate to reach out directly. Preparing your questions in advance is a good idea so the process is as efficient and effective as possible.The Medicare website has valuable resources and contact information to help you connect with a customer service representative trained to answer your questions about plan benefits. You can reach someone by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or using the sites convenient online live chat feature. Chat is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except for certain holidays). Get Affordable Online Mental Health TreatmentFinding solutions for mental health treatment that you can afford might seem overwhelming, but online therapy  like Talkspace is an accessible, convenient, and affordable option that makes therapy readily available, regardless of financial constraints. Talkspace has partnered with most major insurance providers to ensure affordable care options outside of Medicares current scope are also available to members.Talkspace online therapy accepts Medicare in specific states (with more added continually) to bridge the gap between vital mental healthcare and affordable treatment. Medicare Advantage is not covered at this time, but should be coming soon. Other options include online therapy covered by various insurance providers. Reach out today to learn more about getting mental health assistance from licensed professionals at Talkspace.Sources:Guth M. State policies expanding access to behavioral health care in Medicaid. KFF. December 9, 2021. Accessed January 20, 2024. https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/state-policies-expanding-access-to-behavioral-health-care-in-medicaid/Cox ER, Marwick KF, Hunter RW, Priller J, Lawrie SM. Dialysis and plasmapheresis for schizophrenia: A systematic review. Psychological Medicine. 2020;50(8):1233-1240. doi:10.1017/s0033291720001324. Cox ER, Marwick KF, Hunter RW, Priller J, Lawrie SM. Dialysis and plasmapheresis for schizophrenia: A systematic review. Psychological Medicine. 2020;50(8):1233-1240. doi:10.1017/s0033291720001324. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/abs/dialysis-and-plasmapheresis-for-schizophrenia-a-systematic-review/7C67B61C3AB146EF41A0D2609ED2845A . Accessed January 20, 2024.Welcome to Medicare. Medicare. Accessed January 20, 2024. https://www.medicare.gov/Talkspace articles are written by experienced mental health-wellness contributors; they are grounded in scientific research and evidence-based practices. Articles are extensively reviewed by our team of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists of various specialties) to ensure content is accurate and on par with current industry standards.Our goal at Talkspace is to provide the most up-to-date, valuable, and objective information on mental health-related topics in order to help readers make informed decisions.Articles contain trusted third-party sources that are either directly linked to in the text or listed at the bottom to take readers directly to the source.