More Medicare Coverage For Mental Health Costs May Aid Houston Residents

“Hopefully, older adults who previously were unable to afford to see a therapist will now be more likely to do so,” said Andrea Callow, a policy lawyer with the Center for Medicare Advocacy.

Now that 2014 is officially here, it's time to start reviewing the Obamacare provisions that went into effect January 1. One change for elderly and Medicare beneficiaries that went into effect has been on the books since 2008 through the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act. Medicare will now cover costs for psychological care to the same degree as physical medical costs at the 80/20 Medicare/Beneficiary split.

The New York Times – The New Old Age Blog took note of this change in a recent article aptly titled “Medicare to Cover More Mental Health Costs.” It seems psychological issues are often the most directly felt difficulties in the life and wellbeing of elderly Medicare beneficiaries. With the new change, the long-held gap in coverage between the costs for physical medicine and psychological care has now been closed. Consequently, more elderly beneficiaries will be able to afford the care that is uniquely suited to their own needs and happiness.

Nonetheless, a few sources of disparity between medical and psychological care for the elderly remain, as further noted in the original article.

Does this recent change affect an elderly loved one? If yes, be sure to help them seek appropriate mental healthcare.

For more information on elder care and elder law in Houston, please visit my website.

Reference: The New York Times – The New Old Age Blog (December 27, 2013) “Medicare to Cover More Mental Health Costs”