Psychotherapists who accept medicare??

Posted by fate @fate, Nov 16, 2021

I have searched for over a year for a therapist who accepts medicare. My long term therapist retired and left me without a referral. These "young" therapist want private pay it seems. Are we older folks thrown to the curb because we are not profitable? Community mental health only cater to addiction therapy. I feel bitter, angry and terribly saddened that mental health care is accessible only to the more wealthy.

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Hello @fate, Welcome to Connect. I'm sorry it has been so difficult to find a therapist who accepts Medicare. Here is some information I found on Medicare.Gov that may be helpful.

"How do I find a therapist with Medicare?
Call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get free personalized health insurance counseling. To get the phone number for your state, visit shiptacenter.org, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048."
Medicare Coverage of Therapy Services: https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/10988-Medicare-Limits-Therapy-Services.pdf

You can get the phone number for your state by visiting State Health Insurance Assistance Program - https://www.shiphelp.org/

Will you let us know if you find a therapist who accepts Medicare?

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I am facing the same dilemma. My psychiatrist is no longer accepting Medicare and it’s hard to find someone else.

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@johnbishop

Hello @fate, Welcome to Connect. I'm sorry it has been so difficult to find a therapist who accepts Medicare. Here is some information I found on Medicare.Gov that may be helpful.

"How do I find a therapist with Medicare?
Call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get free personalized health insurance counseling. To get the phone number for your state, visit shiptacenter.org, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048."
Medicare Coverage of Therapy Services: https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/10988-Medicare-Limits-Therapy-Services.pdf

You can get the phone number for your state by visiting State Health Insurance Assistance Program - https://www.shiphelp.org/

Will you let us know if you find a therapist who accepts Medicare?

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Thank you for the information John. I have been to the sites mentioned but perhaps there have been some changes. A lot of the roadblocks I have encountered have to do with my state TN. Focus has shifted to fighting the Narcotic epidemic. That is not my need. I will continue to search . Again I appreciate the info.

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I pay out of pocket for my physchiatrist also. The crappy ones take insurance, the good ones don’t.

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@aethos

I am facing the same dilemma. My psychiatrist is no longer accepting Medicare and it’s hard to find someone else.

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I understand. It's sad and frightening to feel stuck not knowing how to get what you need. What I have done is put in a search for therapist (psychiatrist in your case) who accept medicare. Put in your zip code to access your area. You may luck out and find someone . You may be redirected to Psychology Today which surprised me but were pretty accurate showing options in your zip code area. Best of luck!

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@sears

I pay out of pocket for my physchiatrist also. The crappy ones take insurance, the good ones don’t.

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I am unable to pay out of pocket. If I could find a scrappy one I might be able to train him or her. Seriously it's a thought 🤔

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@sears

I pay out of pocket for my physchiatrist also. The crappy ones take insurance, the good ones don’t.

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My psychiatrist takes medicare and he's great.

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@marsha2

My psychiatrist takes medicare and he's great.

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Can you post his name?

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She is in Delaware. Do you still want her name

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