The Importance of Mental Health Coverage in Health Insurance Plans in California
What if you weren’t getting the most out of your most important insurance policy?
Now that open enrollment is here in California and it’s time to choose your health insurance for the next year, understanding everything you are entitled to with your plan is important. Most California residents don’t realize that their health plan comes with mental health insurance coverage, and taking advantage of that may just change your life.
Why is mental wellness insurance so important, and how can you get started? Keep reading to find out!
Introduction to Mental Health Insurance in California Marketplace
Mental wellness coverage wasn’t always covered by individual health insurance in California. However, doing so is now a requirement for any ACA-compliant plan. That means that with your current and future policies, visits with a mental health professional should be covered.
Some Californians are hesitant to take advantage of these services because of associated stigmas. By making emotional wellness care part of comprehensive wellness insurance plans, the state is doing its part to combat those stigmas.
Why Comprehensive Mental Health Insurance Matters
The need for mental wellness treatment is greater than you might think. For example, did you know that nearly one in three Americans suffers from anxiety or depression?
Poor emotional wellness often feels like its own form of punishment, and it causes more harm than you might think. Those with depression are more likely to experience a range of unpleasant physical conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. But by fully taking advantage of your health coverage, you can protect your body and mind at the same time.
Analyzing the Best Mental Health Insurance Plans
Are you committed to improving your emotional well-being? That’s the important first step on the road to emotional wellbeing. But you can’t take the second step unless you know how to pick the best health insurance plans.
No one plan is suitable for every California resident. But by knowing the most important criteria for choosing a plan, you can discover the policy that best suits your needs.
Criteria for Selecting Top Plans for Mental Health Coverage
Your mental health and insurance coverage are connected … that is, the kind of care you need will determine the plan you need. Someone who only needs medication management, for example, won’t need the level of care required for someone needing ongoing therapy.
Beyond that, you need to find the balance between your budget and the level of coverage you require. Finally, you need to carefully review the network for your chosen plan to ensure you won’t have any trouble accessing it.
Breaking Down the Benefits: What to Look For
Those are a few of the criteria for choosing the coverage that best treats your mental health condition. If you’re still on the fence, there’s another way to finalize your decision.
In this case, it’s all about the benefits. Each plan has different benefits and perks, and some may better suit your life and lifestyle than others.
Understanding Essential Mental Health Benefits
One reassuring thing about this type of mental health treatment is that it is considered an essential benefit under Obamacare insurance plans. All such plans cover mental and behavioral wellness as well as substance use disorders.
Additional Perks and Services Offered
One of the best perks about your wellness coverage is that you can’t be denied based on any pre-existing conditions. That means not worrying about old illnesses keeping you from getting care in the here and now.
Overcoming Barriers: Accessibility and Affordability
A major potential barrier to mental health and insurance coverage is your budget. Only you know how much you can afford to spend on care. Fortunately, there are policies suitable to a variety of budgets. One in five Californians qualifies for free health insurance. Do you? At Cost-U-Less, we can help you find out for free if you qualify for a no-cost or very low-cost health plan. Just give us a call at 877-423-5652.
The other major barrier is your plan’s network. Each plan, whether an HMO or a PPO, provides limits on where you can seek the most affordable care. Be sure to check the fine print, as having a cheaper premium won’t matter if it is nearly impossible for you to receive care without breaking the bank.
How To Choose Your Mental Health Insurance Plan
Here’s some good news: You’re just a few steps away from getting the wellness care you deserve. There are just a few more things you need to know, and you’ll be ready to choose the right California wellness insurance plan.
Assessing Your Mental Health Needs and Coverage Options
It’s time to be honest about the kind of care you need. Once you know, you can explore the most affordable coverage options that provide the benefits you need. Remember, you can’t get what you need until you’re honest about what you deserve.
Discovering Covered California and Medi-Cal
If you are a California resident with a limited income, you may qualify for affordable plans via Medi-Cal, which offers low-cost or free health insurance. This ensures accessibility of care for everyone in the state.
You can still save even if you don’t qualify for Medi-Cal. At Cost-U-Less, we have knowledgeable, bilingual agents who can help you find the right plan at very little cost to you, depending on your income. This is a free service. Just give us a call at 877-423-5652.
Navigating Insurance Policies to Maximize Benefits
In this case, “shopping” is the keyword when it comes to finding a policy. You have plenty of options for plans that can help improve your well-being. Don’t rush into a purchase … instead, let us help you review all your options until you discover what works best for you.
How to Find a Good Insurance Plan in California
Now you know why mental wellness coverage is so important. You also know some of the most reliable ways to navigate your options. But do you know where you can find someone right away to help you navigate through the healthcare maze?
Here at Cost-U-Less, we are experts at helping Californians find the perfect healthcare plan. Ready to see how this care can transform your life for the best? Call us at 877-423-5652 for free help.
