Mental health care is an integral part of overall health and well-being, but accessing it can be challenging without insurance coverage. Surest Insurance recognizes the significance of mental health and offers comprehensive coverage for therapy services for their policyholders. Whether you’re considering choosing Surest as your health insurance provider, or you’re already using it but want more information about the company’s mental health coverage, we’ve got the answers to your questions. Keep reading for more info on what services are covered, how to check your benefits, and how to find an in-network therapist.
What Is Surest Insurance?
Surest Insurance offers individual and group health policies across the United States. Surest offers copay-only health plans with no deductible and no co-insurance, where you can see prices before seeking treatment. The company uses the United Healthcare Network of doctors, clinics, and hospitals, one of the largest networks in the country, to ensure its members have access to quality healthcare services.
As a health insurance provider, Surest operates by collecting premiums from its members and pooling those funds to cover the cost of medical care. Members typically pay for insurance coverage on a monthly or annual basis.
How Is Surest Different from Other Insurance Providers?
There are a couple of key characteristics that make Surest different from other health insurance providers:
Focus on Health Literacy and Patient Engagement: Surest Insurance emphasizes health literacy and patient engagement, aiming to empower individuals to make informed healthcare decisions. By providing easily accessible cost and coverage information through their health plans, Surest aims to help members understand their options and actively participate in their healthcare.
Transparent Pricing and Coverage: Surest Insurance strives to simplify healthcare by offering clear, upfront pricing to members, enabling them to make informed choices and potentially avoid delaying or sacrificing necessary medical care. In addition, Surest members can see and compare costs between providers, allowing them to access high-value options that may not have been visible otherwise.
Overall, Surest Insurance offers affordable health insurance options that cover a range of healthcare services. Members can choose from different plans and benefit levels to find coverage that meets their needs and budget while having access to a broad network of healthcare providers.
PPO vs. HMO Insurance
Surest offers two main types of health plans: PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and HMO (Health Maintenance Organization). PPO plans typically offer a larger network of healthcare providers, giving you the freedom to visit both in-network and out-of-network providers. They do not usually require referrals or selecting a Primary Care Physician (PCP), allowing you to see specialists directly without prior approval. PPO plans may have higher monthly premiums but offer more flexibility with out-of-network care, although out-of-network providers will typically have higher co-pays
On the other hand, HMO plans have a more limited network and usually require you to receive care from in-network providers, except in emergencies. With an HMO plan, you are typically required to choose a Primary Care Physician (PCP) who manages your healthcare and provides referrals to see specialists. HMO plans generally have lower monthly premiums than PPO plans, but often have higher out-of-pocket costs when receiving care outside of the network.
Overall, the main differences between PPO and HMO plans with Surest Insurance lie in the provider network, referrals, and cost structure. PPO plans typically offer more freedom in choosing healthcare providers, while HMO plans often have lower premiums but require referrals and have more limitations on out-of-network care.
Please note that these differences may vary depending on the specific insurance policy and plan details provided by Surest Insurance. It’s always advisable to review your specific plan documents or contact Surest Insurance directly for comprehensive information about their PPO and HMO offerings.
Does Surest Therapy Cover Mental Health Services?
Surest health plans offer coverage for a wide range of mental health services, including therapy sessions. Mental health conditions can be debilitating and often require specialized treatment to achieve better outcomes. Surest understands the value of mental health care, and therapy coverage is designed to provide policyholders access to quality mental health services.
Types of Mental Health Conditions Covered by Surest
Surest offers a broad range of mental health services to cater to the specific needs of their policyholders. Therapy coverage extends to multiple mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol use disorders, eating disorders, and schizophrenia.
Types of Therapy Covered by Surest
Surest Insurance provides an extensive range of therapy options that policyholders can choose from, depending on their unique needs. Some of the therapies covered by Surest include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A goal-oriented therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors and replacing them with positive and more constructive thoughts.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): A type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that is designed to help individuals better manage strong emotions and unsafe behaviors by learning tools for emotion regulation and improved interpersonal skills.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: A form of therapy that focuses on understanding the unconscious and inner conflicts that could be contributing to mental health problems.
- Family Therapy: A type of therapy that involves the loved ones of individuals receiving treatment to work together to improve outcomes.
- Group Therapy: A form of therapy that involves a group of individuals receiving treatment together to work on better understanding and managing their mental health conditions.
Types of Therapy Not Covered by Surest
Some therapies may not be covered under a Surest Insurance policy. Alternative therapies, such as art therapy or equine-assisted therapy, are not considered mainstream approaches to mental health treatment and may not be covered.
Surest also does not cover any therapy provided by therapists who do not have professional licenses in your state. This includes life coaches without additional credentials, as well as alternative therapies like Reiki healing or other energy-based practices that have not been scientifically validated.
What if I Want Online Therapy?
Surest does cover online therapy through telehealth. They offer mental health treatment, including psychiatry, psychotherapy, and counseling provided over the phone or through a video call. This means that you may receive care through telehealth with your regular provider if they offer this option.
The cost for an online visit with a therapist will be the same as an in-person visit, so if you’re interested in this option, you can find costs in the Surest app by searching for in-person visits.
What if I Want Couples Therapy?
Like many insurance providers, Surest does not offer coverage for couples therapy.
Insurance providers don’t commonly offer coverage for couples therapy due to several reasons. One key reason is that relationship issues, in and of themselves, are not considered a mental health diagnosis. Insurance coverage for therapy typically requires a diagnosable mental health condition, and couples therapy is often classified as a non-covered service because it primarily focuses on interpersonal dynamics rather than individual mental health diagnoses.
Another reason is that insurance companies often prioritize cost-effectiveness and may not view couples therapy as a cost-effective treatment option. Insurance providers assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of different treatment modalities and may choose to limit coverage based on these factors.
Do I Need to Talk to My Doctor First?
Surest does not typically require you to get approval from your doctor before starting therapy. As an insurance provider, Surest usually allows you to seek therapy services directly from a licensed mental health professional without needing a doctor’s referral. However, it’s always a good idea to check your specific insurance plan and coverage details to confirm any requirements or restrictions. If, for example, you have a PPO plan, you likely don’t need a referral from a doctor. If you have an HMO plan, you likely do.
How Do I Check if My Surest Plan Covers Therapy?
Surest policyholders can verify if therapy is covered under their plan in two ways:
- Review your policy: Ensure to carefully read through your Surest Insurance policy documentation, paying close attention to the section on mental health services. The information provided should cover the details of coverage, including therapy benefits.
- Reach out to Surest Insurance: Surest Insurance customer service representatives are available to address any specific questions you may have and guide you through the process of verifying your therapy coverage.
How Much Will Therapy Cost With My Surest Plan?
The cost of therapy with a Surest plan depends on several factors. The copays and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network therapist are the primary elements that influence the costs.
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network
Surest Insurance has a network of preferred providers called in-network therapists, who have agreed-upon rates with Surest. Choosing an in-network therapist means that therapy costs are typically lower. On the other hand, if policyholders opt for an out-of-network therapist, it may result in higher out-of-pocket expenses.
Copays vs. Deductibles
Surest Insurance plans have no deductible, no coinsurance, and no cost-shifting. Instead, plan holders pay their monthly premiums plus a copayment each time they use a service.
A co-pay, short for co-payment, is a fixed amount that a member pays out-of-pocket for a specific healthcare service at the time of receiving the service. It is a cost-sharing mechanism between the member and the insurance provider. The typical co-pay amount is predetermined by the insurance plan and can vary depending on the type of service, such as a doctor’s visit, specialist consultation, or prescription medication.
For example, if your insurance plan has a $30 co-pay for a primary care physician visit, you would pay $30 at the time of your appointment, and your insurance provider would cover the remaining cost of the visit.
Get a therapy cost estimate
How to Find a Therapist Who Accepts Surest Insurance
Finding a therapist who accepts Surest Insurance will ensure you make the most out of your benefits3. Here are a couple of methods to consider:
Doctors on Demand
Surest Insurance has partnered with Doctors on Demand, a reputable online platform that connects patients with qualified therapists. The platform provides Surest policyholders access to therapists who accept their insurance. To find a therapist who accepts Surest Insurance, go to the Doctors on Demand website or app, enter your Surest Insurance details, and browse through the available therapists.
Online Directories
Online directories like the American Psychological Association’s psychologist locator tool or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) behavioral health services locator, are good places to start when seeking a therapist that accepts Surest Insurance. These directories often identify therapists by location, specialty, and insurance coverage.
You can also find an in-network therapist on the Grow Therapy website. Choose your state and insurance provider, then filter the results to find a therapist who meets your needs. You can add additional filters as well to narrow your results down even more if needed.
