Welcome to Our Mental Health Collective: Understanding Your Payment Options
At our Mental Health Collective, we are committed to providing the best care and support for your mental health journey. Of our Professionals, we have several who are in-network with specific insurances, offer out of network billing, and all are also self-pay providers. We understand that navigating insurance billing and payment options can be confusing, so we’ve created this guide to help you better understand how each payment option works, and which of the Providers offers that payment type. Whether you are using insurance or prefer to pay out-of-pocket, we want to make the process as clear and stress-free as possible.
In-Network Insurance Billing
Provided by Joshua Hostetter, Kim Wade, Lori Manning, Sarah Canterbury, Sheri Levitus, and Stephanie Barnello, Dr. Handal
In-network insurance billing refers to when we work directly with your insurance provider, who has a contract with a particular provider. This is often the most affordable option, as we have agreed-upon rates with the insurance company, which can save you money on your mental health care.
How it works:
- Insurance Negotiates Rates: When you choose an in-network provider, your insurance company has pre-negotiated rates with us. This means you only pay a co-payment or a co-insurance fee for your services, and we handle the billing directly with your insurance provider. Some policies also come with a deductible, which we bill directly to you as the patient, and report that payment to the insurance company so that it will be applied to your total deductible amount.
-Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs: Since we are in-network with your insurance company, your out-of-pocket costs are typically lower compared to out-of-network services.
Benefits of In-Network Billing:
- Lower Costs: Generally, in-network providers offer the most affordable rates due to their agreement with your insurance.
- Convenience: We handle all the billing and communication with your insurance company, which means less paperwork and fewer hassles for you.
- Pre-authorization Support: In many cases, we can assist in obtaining the necessary pre-authorizations for ongoing therapy or mental health treatments.
Insurances Accepted:
Florida BCBS: Joshua Hostetter, Lori Manning, Kim Wade
Aetna: Joshua Hostetter, Lori Manning,Sarah Canterbury, Stephanie Barnello
Cigna: Joshua Hostetter, Lori Manning
Out-of-Network Insurance Billing
Out-of-Network Insurance Billing Provider: Sheri Levitus, Joshua Hostetter, Sarah Canterbury, Lori Manning, Stephanie Barnello, Kim Wade, Melissa Richmond, Jenny Smith, Dr. Handal
Out-of-network billing occurs when your insurance company does not have a contract with us. While this means your insurance may not cover the full cost, we can still submit a claim for reimbursement, and you may be able to get partial coverage for your services.
How it works:
- Submit to Insurance for Reimbursement: If you choose an out-of-network provider, you will pay for the services upfront, and we will provide you with an invoice (also known as a superbill) that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
- Reimbursement Rates Vary: Your insurance may reimburse you at a lower rate than if we were in-network. The reimbursement amount is typically based on what your plan covers for out-of-network services.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: You may be responsible for paying a higher out-of-pocket amount upfront, but you will be reimbursed based on your insurance’s out-of-network reimbursement schedule.
Benefits of Out-of-Network Billing:
- Flexibility in Choosing Providers: If you have a preferred therapist or provider who is not in your network, this option allows you to continue seeing them without changing your care.
- More Treatment Options: Out-of-network billing often allows you to access a wider range of providers who may offer specialized services not available in-network.
- Customizable Care: You have more flexibility in selecting the type of care and provider that best suits your needs.
Self-Pay Option
Self-Pay Providers: The Full Collective
Self-pay means that you pay for your services entirely out-of-pocket, without the involvement of insurance. This option allows you to have full control over your mental health care without having to navigate the complexities of insurance.
How it works:
- Paying Directly: You pay for your sessions at the time of service. Payments can often be made by credit card, debit card, check or cash.
- No Insurance Hassles: With self-pay, you are not tied to insurance networks or coverage limitations, and you won’t need to deal with insurance claims or denials.
- Transparency in Pricing: Self-pay provides complete transparency in pricing, so you always know exactly how much you will be paying for each session.
Benefits of Self-Pay:
- No Insurance Limits: There are no limitations on the number of sessions, types of services, or treatment plans that can be covered by insurance. You have complete freedom in designing your care.
-Confidentiality: Self-pay ensures that your mental health treatment is completely private, as there are no insurance records or reports shared with third parties.
-More Control Over Treatment: You have the flexibility to choose the provider, length of treatment, and frequency of sessions without worrying about insurance coverage limitations or pre-approvals.
Which Option is Best for You?
Choosing the right payment option depends on your individual needs, financial situation, and the level of care you're seeking. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:
-In-Network Billing: Best for those looking for lower costs and convenience, with the added benefit of direct insurance billing.
-Out-of-Network Billing: Ideal for those who want more flexibility and the option to see a provider who may not be in their network.
-Self-Pay: Great for those who want complete control over their treatment, value privacy, and prefer not to deal with insurance at all.
We are here to support you in your journey to mental well-being, no matter which option you choose. If you have any questions or need further assistance in understanding your options, feel free to reach out to us. Our team is happy to help!
If you have questions about billing or need assistance with selecting the best option for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch! We are here to guide you every step of the way.