Most Seniors Don’t Know About Medicare Mental Health Benefits
More seniors are willing to seek mental health care than ever. But most don’t know for sure that Medicare provides benefits, a new survey (PDF) found.
A recent survey reached more than 3,800 Medicare customers aged 65+ in February 2022.
- More than 1/3 said they felt more lonely than before the pandemic.
- About half said they were “very willing” to seek mental health care. About half have received some mental health services in the past.
- Yet more than 6 in 10 did not know for certain if there were Medicare mental health care benefits.
- White, Republican seniors were the least likely to know about benefits. And 1/3 said cost is the top reason they may avoid seeking care.
- Next is “not understanding benefits” and not knowing where to turn for help. Only 4% cited social stigma as the top reason they may avoid mental health care.
- 2/3 said they can talk with their doctor about mental health care. But a little more than 1/2 said they have never talked about it with their doctor.
- About 3/4 said mental health benefits are important, when choosing a health plan. And 1/3 said these were “very important”.
- About 1/4 of seniors reported anxiety. And about 1/5 reported depression and loneliness.
And of course, there is financial worries, politics, the pandemic, and war in eastern Europe.
Bottom line? Most health plans are REQUIRED to treat mental health the same as physical health.
Medicare mental health care benefits are real.
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness, reach out! Your doctor, your health insurance– these are people who can help.
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