Cigna Behavioral Health Insurance Coverage
Behavioral health care refers to the services and treatment for people struggling with mental health and/or substance abuse disorders. If you or a loved one is seeking behavioral health care and has Cigna insurance coverage, there are many roads to recovery.
Whether you’re battling depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, or any other behavioral health issues, please know you’re not alone. There are people and individual programs that can help you.
Navigating the managed care insurance system can feel insurmountable when you or a family member are already struggling to get by day to day. But there is hope.
Here’s some useful information about talking to a loved one, including yourself, about behavioral health issues and using your Cigna insurance coverage to get the care you need and deserve.
Tips for Talking to Someone Struggling with Behavioral Health Issues
Talking to someone about their mental health or substance abuse struggles will be a delicate conversation. The person is most likely feeling some shame or embarrassment and is afraid of being judged. It may be the first time they open up about how they’ve been feeling, and you don’t want them to shut down the conversation. This might be the lifeline they’ve been looking for and the first step to healing.
- Listen actively. Make eye contact and have relaxed open body language. Let the person do most of the talking and try to avoid asking a lot of questions.
- Offer validation. Show you’re listening and let them know you appreciate them talking about such a difficult subject, and that you understand.
- Ask how you can help. Don’t assume you know what’s best for them or offer quick solutions. The person may not be ready to seek help at the time, but if they know you’re there for them, most likely they will talk to you when they are.
- Don’t be afraid to ask about suicide. Asking someone about suicide isn’t going to make them suicidal. If they have already had these thoughts, they probably were ashamed to share them. Be prepared if the answer is yes. Have the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available for them. The number is 988, and they answer 24/7.
How to Use Your Cigna Insurance Coverage Behavioral Health Benefits
Once you or a loved one has decided you’re ready to seek treatment, you’ll want to contact the customer care number on the back of your Cigna insurance card and ask some questions.
- What behavioral health benefits does my Plan Cover? Find out about specific levels of care, limits on inpatient stays or outpatient visits, what medications are covered, and if any of the services require pre-certification. You’ll also want to ask general questions about your plan, such as deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums.
- Request a list of providers. Certain providers contract with Cigna insurance and are called in-network providers. Out-of-network providers don’t have a contract with Cigna. However, just because someone is out-of-network doesn’t mean you can’t see them for treatment. You might have to pay some out-of-pocket costs, and if there are no in-network providers in your area, your insurance company may pay out-of-network providers as they would in-network.
- Ask if your plan offers case management for behavioral health. If so, request a case manager. Case managers are licensed health professionals who work for the insurance company and can help you navigate through your recovery at no cost to you.
Questions to Ask Potential Providers
Now that you have your list of providers, you can start calling to find the right treatment. You can also do some research online. Here’s some information you’ll want to know.
- What levels of care does the provider offer? Behavioral Health has a universal system that helps match your symptoms with the best treatments. Providers should educate you on this.
- Is the provider in-network with your Cigna insurance? If they are, your treatment will likely be covered if it’s medically necessary. If they are not and you’re going to have a large out-of-pocket medical bill, you can always ask the non-contracting provider for referrals or additional resources.
- Does the provider have any licensure or accreditation? The best providers will hold professional licenses, state licenses, and Joint Commission Certification (JCC) for more intensive services.
- What types of therapies does the provider use? In addition to traditional talk therapy, many providers offer specialized treatments such as EMDR for trauma and MAT for substance abuse.
For additional information on using your Cigna insurance coverage or any other questions you still have about behavioral health treatment, contact our drug rehab center in south Florida today.
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