Financial Assistance
The cost of treatment to an individual for a mental health problem depends on such factors as type of treatment, therapist's training, treatment location and insurance coverage. Most older adults have Medicare. Many may also have insurance plans, sometimes called Medigap policies, that cover a majority of the expense. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover most costs of long-term care for older adults who have Alzheimer's or similar diseases and require nursing facilities. It also only covers 50 percent of outpatient mental health costs.
Medical Assistance pays for treatment of mental health problems and for long-term care for low-income persons if it is determined to be medically necessary. People who qualify for Medical Assistance generally have a very small amount of co-payment or none at all.