Insurance

Amerihealth Pennsylvania Therapy Coverage

Taking care of your mental health is important for your overall well-being. We’re here to help you understand your benefits when it comes to seeking mental health treatment with Amerihealth Pennsylvania insurance.

derek lee grow therapy By Derek Lee, VP of Insurance Operations

Updated on Nov 15, 2024

Therapy can be expensive without health insurance coverage. But taking care of your mental health is important for your overall well-being. The good news is that Amerihealth Pennsylvania insurance plans cover counseling and psychotherapy, making these services more affordable.

Whether you are thinking about therapy for the first time or are already seeing a therapist, this guide will explain the benefits included in Amerihealth plans. You will learn how to keep your therapy costs low by using in-network providers, understand copay and coinsurance amounts, and figure out how many sessions are covered.

All About Amerihealth

Amerihealth is an insurance company that provides quality, affordable health coverage to millions across 15 states. As part of Independence Health Group, they’re one of the major health insurers in the Northeast. In Pennsylvania, Amerihealth offers two main insurance options: Amerihealth Pennsylvania and Amerihealth Caritas Pennsylvania.

AmeriHealth Pennsylvania

AmeriHealth Pennsylvania is a commercial health insurance plan that is offered to individuals and businesses in Pennsylvania. They provide Pennsylvania residents with a wide range of benefits, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drug coverage, and preventive care services.

Amerihealth Pennsylvania has an extensive network of healthcare providers that you can choose from within the state of Pennsylvania.

Amerihealth Caritas Pennsylvania

Amerihealth Caritas Pennsylvania is a managed care health plan that helps those getting Medicaid. They’re committed to making sure that you have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare. The company offers a wide range of services, including:

Amerihealth Caritas Pennsylvania also offers specialized plans to meet the needs of people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid:

Therapy Coverage for Mental Health Services

Insurance companies have traditionally focused on physical health, but Amerihealth Pennsylvania understand the importance of mental health as well by providing coverage for therapy and counseling services, including substance use disorder services, as well as:

Keep in mind that specific therapies covered may vary depending on your specific coverage details. It’s important to check with your Amerihealth Pennsylvania representative to find out what services are covered under your plan.

Therapy Services That Aren’t Covered

Amerihealth Pennsylvania tries to cover most types of therapy, but some are not covered. These include:

Services not covered can change from time to time, so it’s a good idea to check with customer service to get the most up to date list.

How Do You Find Out What’s Covered for You?

The best place to start is by taking a look at your insurance plan to make sure your policy is active and that you are eligible for mental health benefits. Look for key info like therapy copays, deductibles, session limits, and in-network vs out-of-network coverage. This will help you understand the costs you can expect to pay.

To check your insurance coverage, you have several options:

If you have any questions or don’t understand something, reach out to customer service and they’ll be happy to help.

What Will Therapy Actually Cost You?

The actual cost of therapy will vary depending on your specific plan benefits and other factors such as your deductible, copay, and coinsurance.

If you have Medicaid, Medicare, or Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage, you may have more options for affordable mental health services. For example, Medicaid covers most mental health services, and Medicare covers mental health services provided by psychiatrists and other qualified mental health professionals.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the key terms you may see on your insurance plan that can affect how much your therapy will cost:

Plan Type

This tells you what kind of insurance plan you have. Each type of plan has its own rules about which providers you can see and how much you have to pay for services.

In-Network vs. Out-of-Network

In-network therapists have contracts with Amerihealth Pennsylvania, which means they charge less. Out-of-network therapists don’t have these contracts, so they may charge more. Choosing an in-network therapist can save you money. Some plans don’t even cover out-of-network services, so be sure to check with Amerihealth Pennsylvania before you choose a therapist.

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Deductible

Your deductible is the amount of money you have to pay out of pocket before Amerihealth Pennsylvania typically starts covering your therapy costs. For example, if your deductible is $500, you will likely have to pay that amount before they will cover any of your therapy sessions.

Copay

Your copay is the fixed amount of money you have to pay for each therapy session. Copays can vary depending on your plan and the therapist you see.

Coinsurance

This is the percentage of your medical expenses that you have to pay after meeting your deductible. For example, if your coinsurance is 20%, you have to pay 20% of your medical expenses after meeting your deductible.

Out-of-Pocket Maximum

This is the maximum amount of money you have to pay for medical expenses in a given year. After you reach your out-of-pocket maximum, your insurance will pay 100% of your covered medical expenses.

It’s important to note that everyone’s insurance plan is different, so it’s always a good idea to check your coverage and contact Amerihealth Pennsylvania if you have any questions.

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Finding an In-Network Amerihealth Pennsylvania Therapist

The key to affording therapy is finding a therapist who takes your insurance. Here are some tips:

How to Maximize Your Benefits

Here are some tips for making the most of your Amerihealth Pennsylvania therapy benefits:

Understand Your Plan

What types of therapy are covered? How many sessions are covered per year? Do you need to get permission from Amerihealth Pennsylvania before you start therapy? You can find this information on the Amerihealth Pennsylvania website or by calling their customer service line.

Choose In-Network Providers

In-network providers have contracts with Amerihealth Pennsylvania, which means that AmeriHealth Pennsylvania will cover most of the cost for your therapy session. You can find a list of in-network providers on the Grow Therapy website.

Ask Questions

If you have any questions about your coverage or how to find a therapist, don’t be afraid to call Amerihealth Pennsylvania customer service. They are there to help!

Get Pre-Authorization if Needed

Some Amerihealth Pennsylvania plans require pre-authorization for therapy services. This means that you need to get approval from Amerihealth Pennsylvania before you can start therapy. You can get pre-authorization by calling them directly.

Stick with Your Therapy

Therapy works best when you go regularly. Your therapist will determine how often you need to have sessions, typically starting at once a week, but it can vary.

Don’t be afraid to speak up. If you’re not comfortable with your therapist or you’re not getting the results you want, tell them. You can also switch to a different therapist if you want.

Try Online Therapy

Teletherapy or online therapy can be done from home or anywhere else with an internet connection. Many Amerihealth Pennsylvania plans cover teletherapy services. Teletherapy can be a convenient and affordable option for people who have difficulty accessing in-person therapy services.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your Amerihealth Pennsylvania therapy coverage and get the support you need to improve your mental health.

Book a Session Today

Now that you know more about your Amerihealth Pennsylvania therapy coverage, you can make informed choices about your treatment.

Don’t let financial  concerns stop you from getting the counseling you deserve. Whether it’s for mental health, substance use, or other behavioral health issues, use your benefits to your advantage and start healing today.

FAQs

  • For many health insurance plans, you need your primary doctor to refer you to a specialist like a therapist before your insurance will cover it. The good news is that most Amerihealth Pennsylvania plans don't require a referral for mental health services.

  • The main difference between Amerihealth Caritas and Amerihealth Caritas Pennsylvania is that Amerihealth Caritas is a group of companies that operate in multiple states, while Amerihealth Caritas Pennsylvania is a single company that operates in Pennsylvania.

  • You always want to double check that any provider you see is in your insurance network so you can enjoy those sweet discounted rates. When searching for a therapist, use the online provider directory or do a pre-check by calling customer service to confirm they participate in your specific plan.

  • This is an important one if you've got kids or teens who might benefit from therapy, too. The good news is that most Amerihealth Pennsylvania plans provide coverage for therapy services for every member on your plan.

  • It's OK to switch therapists in your network until you find one you're comfortable with. Don't give up on therapy if the first try isn't ideal.

About the author
derek lee grow therapy Derek Lee, VP of Insurance Operations

Derek Lee is Grow Therapy's Vice President of Insurance Operations, overseeing payor relations and success, credentialing and enrollment, new payor launch, revenue cycle management and billing, and insurance operations data analytics.

This article is not meant to be a replacement for medical advice. We recommend speaking with a therapist for personalized information about your mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who can offer support and address any questions or concerns. If you or your child is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should dial 9-1-1 and/or go to the nearest emergency room.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Grow Therapy connects clients, therapists, and insurance companies to make mental healthcare simple to access.

  • We make it easy to find a therapist who looks like you and can support your needs. The right therapist is one who ensures you feel safe and comfortable. If you need help choosing, read these tips or contact our matching team by phone at 786-244-7711. More contact options are available here.

  • We conduct an intensive interview process to ensure our therapists have the skills, training, and experience to help you grow.

  • People who use their insurance save an average of 73% on the cost of therapy. Sessions cost an average of $22 with insurance, but will vary depending on your plan. Get a cost estimate, learn more about how to check your coverage, or contact your insurance company for more details.