|
The United States has a long history of separating medical and mental health insurance benefits. This comes from a traditional view that mind and body are somehow separate and that medical disease is somehow more "legitimate." In fact, that is obviously not the case. Mind and body are always closely linked.
Nonetheless, in some cases you will find that the rules for mental health coverage differ from rules for medical coverage. You may find that you are responsible for higher portions of your bill, that there is a lifetime limit on benefits or a limit to the number of hospitalizations you may have. You may find that some diagnoses are not covered and that some services are not covered.
It is always worth taking the time to understand your insurer's benefits and exclusions. Most companies are sincere and thoughtful about the structure they have adopted. However, that structure may or may not fit your needs. Other companies set up "road blocks" to service, in the belief that it will somehow save money. Those roadblocks may be hard to understand or cope with, especially in times of crisis. Be prepared to persist to get the information you need or ask for help from one of the local referral lines.
If you are truly having trouble accessing services, you may need to speak to your employer's benefit manager, human resource department or employee assistance program. Most employers are very interested in knowing whether their employees are happy with their benefit coverage and their access to service. Many keep records of complaints (to assist in selecting an insurance plan in the future) or will help an employee resolve an insurance problem. | 
