How Health Plans Can Help Seniors Manage Their Depression

Recent statistics have revealed some important information about depression in older adults over the age of 65. The numbers show that while over 2 million seniors are affected by depression, only 42 percent of them are likely to seek help from a mental health professional and a tiny 3 percent of them actually do it. This might be owing to the seniors believing they can handle it themselves or the fact that seniors who seek help for depression can pay up to 50 percent more in health costs than those who don’t. In this article, Ruth for the Broken takes a closer look at how having the right health plan can be helpful when managing depression.

Diagnosing and Treating Depression

Before contacting a doctor, you should know what to discuss with them. It’s worth noting that the National Institute on Aging states depression is not a normal part of aging and must be treated as a very real illness. Depression can be caused by a major change in your personal life like retirement or moving as well as the loss of a loved one. Some people have a predisposition to depression based on their family history or genetic makeup. Depression can take a number of forms, but if you have persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness, and have lost interest in doing things that usually make you happy, then you might be suffering from depression. The illness can be treated through the use of therapy and, in some cases, medication, but you must see the appropriate professional to get the right treatment.

Cost Barriers to Treatment

It can be hard to afford the necessary care if your health insurance doesn’t cover it. According to this detailed article by Peterson-Kaiser, the cost of treatment plays a major factor in why most Americans don’t seek help for depression and other mental health issues. This can be understood as the treatment options for seniors with depression can include regular visits to a mental health professional, consistent counseling, and the use of antidepressants. While the cost of successfully treating and managing your depression can be high, you can significantly cut down how much you spend out of pocket by getting the right healthcare coverage.

Healthcare Coverage Options

This article from Mental Health America offers a detailed guide on the mental health coverage options you may have. As an older adult over the age of 65, you could be eligible for mental illness coverage under Medicaid. If you have received Social Security disability benefits for at least two years, you could also be eligible to apply for health coverage under Medicare. As you may already know, Medicare plans have different parts, so it’s vital to know which ones would best suit your needs. For example, Part B deals with routine medical care while Part D focuses on prescription medication. Before finalizing a plan, be sure to check out what health plans the mental health professionals in your area will take.

Medicare Advantage Plans

Simply put, Medicare Advantage plans are managed by private companies that work with Medicare to provide you with Part A and Part B benefits along with some other services. If you’re dealing with depression or suspect it’s something you’ll have to tackle in the future, make sure to shop around for a plan that will provide you with the coverage you need. Many companies offer plans that specifically cover counseling, doctor visits, and emergency health care needs that are associated with illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

Don’t be tricked into believing that depression is not that serious and something you can handle yourself. In order to take care of your mental health, be sure to find a mental health coverage plan that allows you to talk with your doctor about your treatment options and the way forward. The cost of treatment should never be the reason you suffer in silence.

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