Glossary / Lexicon

Health insurance refers to the financial protection against the medical care costs arising from accidental bodily injury or disease.

Health insurance is a type of insurance that covers the cost of medical expenses incurred by the insured person. In the psychology context, health insurance can cover the cost of mental health services, such as therapy, counseling, and psychiatric medication.

Examples of health insurance plans that cover mental health services include:

1. Medicaid: A government-sponsored insurance program for people with low incomes. Medicaid covers a range of mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and medication.

2. Medicare: A federal health insurance program for people over 65 and those with certain disabilities. Medicare covers mental health services, including therapy and medication.

3. Private health insurance: Many private health insurance plans cover mental health services, including therapy, counseling, and medication. However, the extent of coverage can vary depending on the plan.

4. Employee assistance programs (EAPs): Some employers offer EAPs to help their employees access mental health services. EAPs may provide counseling, therapy, and referral to mental health professionals.

5. Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans: The ACA requires all health insurance plans to cover mental health and substance abuse services as an essential health benefit. This means that mental health services must be covered to the same extent as other medical services.