Mental health and Medicare: Get the most out of your coverage

Getting older comes with lifestyle changes. We might not be able to exercise as much as we used to, we could lose muscle mass, we might need to change our diets based on medication. All of that is a normal part of aging.

What we don’t expect is a shift in our mental health. Anxiety and depression are the most commonly found mental illnesses in adults. Experts estimate that nearly 15% of adults aged 50 and older experience mental health conditions or struggles. While it might be common, feelings of anxiety and depression are not considered a normal part of getting older.

How can older adults be affected?

A lot of things change when we enter retirement, and they aren’t always things we’re comfortable with. Here’s a few common stressors seen in retirees:

• The loss of a loved one

• Dealing with and treating chronic illness

• Struggling with the transition to retirement

• Carrying the stress of being a caregiver

• General loneliness and loss of routine

All of these things can lead to depression and anxiety, especially when we aren’t sure how to process these kinds of feelings. Staying active, eating a healthy diet and taking time for yourself are all great ways to help manage your mental health on your own.

What can Medicare Part B help cover?

The majority of mental health care is outpatient. Medicare Part B may help cover certain outpatient mental health services when they are medically necessary and provided by a Medicare-participating provider. This can include:

• Annual depression screening. A once-per-year check-in, typically done in a primary care setting. Annual screenings help to identify signs of depression early.

• Individual and group therapy. Talk therapy with a qualified clinician, either one-on-one or in a group. It’s typically focused on managing conditions like anxiety or depression.

• Psychiatric evaluation and medication management. An assessment of symptoms, and if appropriate, help with prescribing and monitoring medications.

• Intensive outpatient programs. This is structured treatment that involves multiple therapy sessions a week without a hospital stay, when clinical requirements are met.

• Substance use disorder services. Counseling and treatment support for alcohol or drug use. This is based on personal needs and provider recommendations.

There may be out-of-pocket costs under Part B, and not all providers accept Medicare assignment. Coverage can vary based on your situation.

Does Medicare Part A cover anything for mental health?

Yes, Medicare Part A may help cover mental health care services that are provided when someone is admitted as a hospital inpatient.

For more details, including coverage and cost, visit the official Medicare website.

What other resources are available?

Sometimes it can be hard to tell if what we’re feeling is truly depression or anxiety, or if it’s just a bout of stress or sadness. If you’re looking for more information, visit Medline Plus . It’s free, quick and confidential.

If you know you need to talk to someone, but you’re unsure about where to start, talk to your health care provider about your concerns. And, if you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis and would like to talk to a trained crisis counselor, call or text 988, the free and confidential Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also connect with a counselor through web chat at 988lifeline.org .

For even more information about resources and coverage that may be available to you through Medicare, visit Medicare.gov to learn more.