Teletherapy has become increasingly common in recent years.

This has led many to ask: Does my health insurance cover online therapy?

The answer to that question is that it depends.

Some policies will cover online sessions, while others won’t.

You should check your policy and learn about any specific requirements your insurance provider may have.

While the emergency has passed, virtual visits are here to stay.

What Is Online Therapy?

Click below to listen now.

Find out which option is the best for you.

Will Insurance Cover Online Therapy?

They established new procedures or waivers to existing ones to allow for coverage of online therapy.

However, the landscape of health insurance coverage for telehealth is in flux.

So it’s best to check in with your insurance company to see exactly what your plan covers.

Or they allowed audio-only telehealth when previously video was required.

Find a Therapist Who Takes Insurance

Whilemany online therapy providers accept insurance, not all do.

Your insurance provider can also point you to a list of in-web link online therapists who accept your insurance.

The best source of information about what your plan covers is your insurer.

Do Online Therapy Providers Accept Medicare and Medicaid?

As with other insurance providers, Medicaid and Medicare have also expanded their coverage for online therapy services.

Medicare Part B covers certain telehealth services such as psychotherapy.

However, are always caveats.

drop a line to the customer service number on your insurance card or ask your provider for more information.

So you’ll need to check in with your state’s Medicaid office.

Check the therapy platform’s website.

They will generally note whether they accept Medicaid or Medicare.

For online therapists in private practice, call to see if they take these types of insurance.

Most importantly, don’t give up.

If youve been told by your insurer that they do not cover teletherapy, keep checking with them.

Decisions about how to deliver care change frequently.

Some changes made during the pandemic will remain permanent for those on Medicare.

For example, there are no geographic restrictions for the originating provider of behavioral and mental telehealth services.

Such services can also be provided via audio-only communication platforms and in the individual’s home.

Your local mental health agency and local and state-level health departments may also be able to help.

These resources can help you find more information about services available where you live.

It is open to people living with a mental health condition and their families and caregivers.

They are also authorized to provide telehealth services including online therapy.

Subscription Services

Teletherapy websites and apps offer affordable subscription services.

Sites likeTalkspacetemporarily offered free therapy services for healthcare workers and first responders in early 2020.

Try a Consultation

Start with a consultation, if possible.

This is a great way to determine it seems like a good fit.

confirm that they are licensed and credentialed to practice and have experience in the field.

If you also need medication, check that the professional canprescribe medications.

Recap

Many insurance providers, including Medicaid and Medicare, now cover online therapy.

Always check with the provider and your insurance company to be sure your treatment will be covered.

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Virtual reality telepsychology may be next.Front Virtual Real.

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American Psychological Association.Online therapy is here to stay.

Center for Connected Health Policy.COVID-19 telehealth coverage policies.

Federation of State Medical Boards.U.S.

states and territories modifying requirements for telehealth in response to COVID-19.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Telehealth.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Telemedicine.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Telehealth policy changes after the COVID-19 public health emergency.

National Institute of Mental Health.Psychotherapies.

Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy.