Insurance
In-Network with BCBS Insurance PPO and HMO (Massachusetts Residents Only).
Out-of-Network with Most Non-BCBS PPO Insurance Plans (Massachusetts Residents Only).
Private Pay Only for Clients Residing Outside of Massachusetts (No Health Insurance Accepted).
How to Avoid Future Surprise Bills:
Please call BCBS customer services directly to confirm with them that your BCBS insurance is 1) your "Primary Insurance" and 2) will cover psychotherapy services (telehealth). This is because you are financially responsible for any sessions that are not paid by your BCBS insurance.
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If you have more than one health insurance policy, are uncertain whether you have multiple policies, or are under the age of 26 and plan to use BCBS insurance, here are some steps you should take to ensure your coverage and avoid future surprise bills:
Check your current insurance situation: Verify whether you have more than one health insurance policy, such as those provided through a parent, spouse, or employer. This might include being covered under their health insurance plans.
If you have additional coverage: If you have additional insurance plans, contact BCBS insurance customer service to inform them about this extra coverage. It's crucial to provide them with accurate information regarding your insurance situation.
Obtain confirmation from BCBS: Request direct confirmation from BCBS that their insurance is your primary coverage for therapy. BCBS will determine which insurance is primary and which is secondary, as only the insurance company can make that decision. They can guide you on how to proceed and clarify any questions you may have.
Keep records: Maintain records of all communication with BCBS, including confirmation of your insurance status and any instructions or guidance provided. This documentation can be essential if you ever encounter issues with coverage or billing.
Be proactive: Stay informed about your insurance coverage and any changes that may occur. If you have any doubts or questions, don't hesitate to reach out to BCBS customer service for assistance and keep your therapist updated.
What to Expect
To ensure you are well-informed and avoid surprise bills, please take your time to read the information below about:
1) What to Expect with BCBS Insurance
BCBS Insurance through a University or College
If you have BCBS insurance through a university such as MIT, Harvard, Northeastern, UMass, or others, you have access to affordable psychotherapy services with Han. BCBS insurance offers telehealth benefits that cover psychotherapy services for a low copay, typically ranging from $0 to $35 per session. With your university's BCBS insurance, you likely have a $0 deductible, so you won't have to worry about unexpected out-of-pocket costs or meeting deductibles.
If you are under the age of 26 and plan to use BCBS insurance, you must ensure that you do not have other insurance through your parents. If you do have additional insurance through your parents, it is imperative to call BCBS insurance to inform them. You need to obtain direct confirmation from BCBS that their insurance is your primary coverage for therapy, as only your insurance company can determine which insurance is primary. Without confirmation and verification from BCBS, there is a risk that your sessions may not be successfully covered, potentially resulting in a substantial surprise bill later.
BCBS Insurance through an Employer or Family Member
If you have BCBS insurance through your employer or a family member, it's important to be aware of your plan's possible deductible. Deductibles can range from $250 to $7500, which means that you may have to pay out of pocket for psychotherapy services for several sessions until you meet your deductible. Once your deductible is met, you will be responsible only for the copay, which typically ranges from $0 to $35 per session.
To determine if you have an unmet deductible, you can either contact your health insurance provider or access your account through the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) client portal, available on their website or mobile app. By reviewing your account details, you can quickly identify any outstanding deductible amounts. Typically, if there is an unmet deductible, your therapist will be notified by your insurance company within a session or two, which can help you stay informed about your financial responsibilities for your ongoing therapy sessions.
What If You Have An Unmet Deductible
If you have an unmet deductible, you will be responsible for paying out of pocket for psychotherapy sessions until you meet your deductible. Once your deductible is met, your insurance plan will start to cover your sessions, and you will only be responsible for copays that typically range from $0 to $35 per session.
For example, if you have an unmet deductible of $2000 and the cost of each session is $150, you will have to pay for the first 14 sessions on your own ($150 per session x 14 sessions = $2100) to meet your deductible of $2000. After you have met your deductible, your insurance plan will begin to cover your sessions, and you will only be responsible for low copays, such as $25 per session.
2) How to Avoid Surprise Bills
To avoid surprise bills in the future, it's crucial to ensure that you have only one health insurance which is the BCBS insurance you provided to Han.
If you have any other health insurance knowingly or unknowingly (such as through a parent, spouse, or employer), the BCBS insurance company can detect it in their system, and your claims with BCBS will be denied a few months later. This means that you will have to pay out-of-pocket at Han's full rate of $200 per session for any sessions denied by your BCBS insurance.
Therefore, if you have any other health insurance besides the BCBS insurance you provided to Han, you should call the BCBS customer service line to verify that the BCBS insurance you provided to Han is the primary insurance that will cover your therapy sessions (as it is up to the insurance company to decide which one is your primary insurance).
If you are under the age of 26 and plan to use BCBS insurance, you must ensure that you do not have other insurance through your parents. If you do have additional insurance through your parents, it is imperative to call BCBS insurance to inform them. You need to obtain direct confirmation from BCBS that their insurance is your primary coverage for therapy, as only your insurance company can determine which insurance is primary. Without confirmation and verification from BCBS, there is a risk that your sessions may not be successfully covered, potentially resulting in a substantial surprise bill later.
3) What to Do with an Unmet Deductible
What If You Have An Unmet Deductible
If you have an unmet deductible, you will be responsible for paying out of pocket for psychotherapy sessions until you meet your deductible. Once your deductible is met, your insurance plan will start to cover your sessions, and you will only be responsible for copays that typically range from $0 to $35 per session.
For example, if you have an unmet deductible of $2000 and the cost of each session is $150, you will have to pay for the first 14 sessions on your own ($150 per session x 14 sessions = $2100) to meet your deductible of $2000. After you have met your deductible, your insurance plan will begin to cover your sessions, and you will only be responsible for low copays, such as $25 per session.