Mental health is an important aspect of your overall well-being. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness. Mental health conditions can affect your mood, behavior, thinking, and relationships. They can also increase your risk of other health problems, such as substance abuse, chronic diseases, and suicide.

If you need mental health services, you may wonder how to access them and how much they will cost. The good news is that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made it easier and more affordable to get the mental health care you need.

How do ACA plans cover mental health services?

The ACA requires all individual and small-group plans (including those sold on the Health Insurance Marketplace) to cover 10 essential health benefits, including mental health and substance use disorder services2. This means that if you enroll in an ACA plan, you will have coverage for:

• Outpatient care: such as counseling, therapy, medication management, and diagnostic tests.
• Inpatient care: such as hospitalization, residential treatment, and detoxification.
• Emergency care: such as crisis intervention and stabilization.
• Preventive care: such as depression screening and behavioral assessments.
• Prescription drugs: such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers.

In addition, the ACA applies the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) to these plans2. This means that there cannot be greater cost-sharing or other limitations for mental health services than for medical and surgical services. For example, your plan cannot charge you a higher copayment or have a lower annual limit for mental health visits than for primary care visits.

How to choose the best ACA plan for your mental health needs?

Choosing the best ACA plan for your mental health needs can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider. Some of them are:

• The level of coverage and cost: ACA plans are categorized into four metal tiers: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. The higher the metal tier, the more coverage and lower cost-sharing the plan offers, but also the higher the premium. You should compare the benefits and costs of different plans to find the one that fits your budget and needs.
• The provider network: ACA plans have different types of networks, such as HMOs, PPOs, EPOs, and POSs. The type of network determines which providers you can see and how much you will pay for their services. You should check if your preferred providers are in-network or out-of-network for each plan, and how much it will cost you to see them.
• The quality of care: ACA plans have different ratings based on customer satisfaction, clinical quality, and efficiency. You should check the star ratings of each plan to see how they perform on these measures. You should also read reviews from other customers to see their experiences with each plan.

Mental health is an important aspect of your overall well-being. Therefore, it is essential that you have access to quality and affordable mental health services. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) makes it easier and more affordable to access these services, covering them as an essential benefit in all individual and small-group plans.

To choose an ACA plan that meets your mental health needs, you should consider the level of coverage and cost, the provider network, and the quality of care. You can also rely on the help of DiskQuote, a company that works with reliable Health Insurance and Medicare Companies to get you competitive insurance prices.

If you want to know more about how DiskQuote can help you, contact us today. They will give you a free and no-obligation quote, and answer all your questions.

Don’t miss this opportunity to access mental health services as an essential benefit of your ACA plan. Contact DiskQuote today! 😊

Everyday Voices: Navigating ACA Plans for Mental Health

Today, we’re talking to Emily Johnson, a local cafe owner, about her experience with ACA plans and mental health services. Emily has been running her cafe for three years and is passionate about providing a supportive environment for her staff.

Emily, as a small business owner, how important is it for you to provide health coverage for your team?

It’s really important. I see my team every day, and I know that if they’re dealing with personal issues or health concerns, it can affect their work and their life. I want to support them as much as I can, and having health coverage helps with that.

What’s been your approach to finding the right health services for your employees?

I try to keep informed about what’s out there. The ACA has been a big help because it’s made more options available at reasonable prices. I look for plans that cover a wide range of services so my employees can get the care they need without worrying about the cost.

Have you or your employees benefited from mental health services under your current plan?

Yes, definitely. One of my employees was going through a tough time and was able to get counseling services quickly. It made a big difference for them, and they’ve been more at ease at work. It’s good to know that these services are there when we need them.

NOTE: The interviewee’s name has been changed to protect their privacy.

Why choose DiskQuote for your ACA plan?

At DiskQuote, we work with the reliable Health Insurance and Medicare Companies to get you insurance prices. We can help you compare and enroll in an ACA plan that suits your budget and health goals.

If you are interested in getting an ACA plan for 2023, don’t wait until the last minute. Contact us today and let us help you find the deal for your health insurance. Visit our contact page to fill out a simple form. We look forward to hearing from you soon!