As people get older, they are more likely to face emotional or cognitive changes that can impact their sleep, appetite, social interactions, and overall independence. While Original Medicare does offer some mental health support, there are limitations in coverage that leave gaps in care. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans address these financial shortfalls so you can prioritize your mental health without the added burden of high out-of-pocket medical costs.

Below, this Medicare Supplement agency in Northwest Indiana is going to explain how Medigap plans can facilitate your access to comprehensive mental health care.

Medicare does cover mental health, but there are important limits you should understand.

Medicare covers mental health care primarily through Parts A and B, with each part covering specific types of services. However, there are strict limits to these that Medicare beneficiaries should know of when considering long-term care options.

Medicare Part A generally applies to inpatient services and covers hospital stays related to mental health treatment, including stays at psychiatric hospitals. But if you are in a psychiatric hospital instead of a general one, Part A will only cover up to 190 days of inpatient treatment for your entire lifetime. That is not enough if you need long-term inpatient treatment for chronic mental health conditions.

Medicare Part B covers outpatient mental health services like therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and some diagnostic tests. In 2025, beneficiaries will have to pay the annual Part B deductible of $257. After that, Medicare covers 80% of the approved costs, leaving the remaining 20% as the beneficiary’s responsibility. This 20% might not seem like a big amount until you are seeing a therapist weekly. For example, if a session costs $150 per visit, you are paying $30 out of pocket each time, and that can get very expensive if sessions continue throughout the year.

Medigap can help pay for the mental health services that Medicare does not fully cover.

Medigap plans don’t add new services for mental health. Instead, they cover the costs for the parts Medicare does not fully pay. These costs include inpatient deductible under Part A (which will be $1,676 in 2025), the 20% coinsurance under Part B, and any excess charges if a doctor bills more than Medicare’s approved payment rates.

For older adults who regularly need mental health services, this cost-sharing support can be very helpful. According to data from the National Council on Aging, approximately one in five adults aged 60 and older in the U.S. experiences a mental health issue, and yet only around two-thirds receive treatment. In many cases, financial concerns are a major deterrent. A good Medigap plan can remove cost as a barrier and make mental health care more accessible and sustainable for those who need it most.

An experienced Medicare Supplement agency in Northwest Indiana can help you understand your options and find the best plan to support your health priorities.

Choosing the right Medigap plan can make it easier to get the mental health care you need.

Medigap plans are standardized at the federal level, which means that Plan G from one company offers the same core benefits as Plan G from another. The main differences are underwriting practices and what you pay in monthly premiums.

If you think you will need regular mental health care, like weekly therapy or periodic hospital-based services, a plan like Medigap Plan G could be worth considering. This plan covers nearly all out-of-pocket expenses except for the annual Part B deductible. Once this deductible is met, most remaining costs for covered services are minimal, so you can access care with fewer financial hurdles.

An experienced Medicare Supplement agency in Northwest Indiana can help you compare plans, weigh coverage benefits against premium costs and avoid confusion during the enrollment process. Their guidance can be especially valuable for those new to Medicare or managing complex health needs.

Looking for a Medicare Supplement Agency in Northwest Indiana?

Are you looking for a Medicare Supplement agency in Northwest Indiana that can help you support your mental well-being? If so, look no further than our team at Senior Care Insurance Services. We can explain your Medigap options and help you find coverage that supports your health and future. Contact us today to begin the process.