As May comes to a close, we welcome in the start of BBQ season, outdoor adventures and warm summer nights but more importantly we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month. This is good time to check in with yourself, family and friends, especially through these uncertain times caused by the uproar of COVID-19. With vaccines underway, we see a light at the end of the tunnel. However, some states are still under restrictions and many Americans are still feeling the aftermath of isolation and stress of these changes.
May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, established in 1949 to highlight the importance of mental wellness. Whether you have a diagnosed mental illness or not, it’s important to take proactive steps to manage your mental health. This can include increasing your self-care regiment, learning new ways to cope with difficult situations, and using online mental health resources or working with your healthcare provider for treatment if you’re concerned about your mental well-being. And if you do need support, there are many resources out there to help you find the care you need.
Online resources
If you’ve been feeling the pressures of the pandemic with anxiety and stress, there are some online resources that may help. Free Apps are available to download. They range in offerings that vary from, meditation to ease anxiety, coping strategies, skills for breathing and self-awareness.
Mental Health Services and Health Insurance
Resources for staying up on mental help and getting help when you need is important. Many health insurance plans offer mental health coverage. ACA-compliant plans are required to cover minimum essential health benefits which includes mental and behavioral health services.
All ACA plans must cover:
- Behavioral health treatment such as psychotherapy and counseling
- Mental and behavioral health inpatient services
- Substance use disorder treatment
Specific mental health insurance coverage details vary depending on the plan. Some plans have updated mental health insurance benefits during COVID-19 to include telehealth services, telephone support lines and virtual resources. To start your search for mental health treatment, try your regular healthcare provider. They may have recommendations for psychotherapists, psychiatrists, or other mental health services in your area.
ACA Enrollments are Open and plans are more affordable than ever
If coverage of mental and behavior services would be beneficial to you, now is the time to enroll in health insurance. In response to the public health emergency brought on by the coronavirus, a special enrollment period is underway for ACA-compliant enrollments on the federal marketplace. In addition, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) has increased access and affordability by providing new and current enrollees increased tax credits to reduce monthly premiums. Anyone seeking individual or family health coverage may enroll in ACA minimum essential coverage plans started February 15 and is now extended through August 15th.
If you are seeking health insurance, take advantage of the additional time to enroll in ACA coverage and the new affordability measures that the ARP has provided. It can be confusing to know where to start or how to get more information on what options are in your area. Finding coverage options in this stressful time, have questions on coverage in your area or special enrollment periods, we are here to help.
We can help
Speaking to a licensed agent will give you the opportunity to work with a specialist that can help explain these health insurance options and see what plans are best for you.
We have agents that will:
- Help determine subsidy eligibility
- Help update federal marketplace information like employment or income level changes.
- Compare plans in your area for most affordable or specific benefit needs
- Assess where you are at on your current plan’s deductible and determine if switching plans or keeping the plan you have will save you more and make the most sense.
Getting assistance in this time can be beneficial to make sure you are getting all your questions answered and understanding all your coverage options. Our licensed agents are able to answer any questions and assist you in your health insurance enrollment. Call 855-548-0727 or visit VelaPoint Marketplace to answer any questions you may have and explore your coverage options.
