Do you ever feel down around the holidays? If so, you’re not alone. End-of-year stress and holiday blues are more common than you might think, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Talking with someone can help. All HealthSelectSM plans, including Consumer Directed HealthSelectSM, cover mental health care services, including Virtual Visits through Doctor On Demand® and MDLIVE®.
If you are enrolled in HealthSelect of Texas®, HealthSelectSM Out-of-State or HealthSelectSM Secondary, mental health Virtual Visits are now covered at 100%. This means you will pay nothing for medical and mental health Virtual Visits.
If you are enrolled in Consumer Directed HealthSelect, you must meet your annual deductible before medical and mental health Virtual Visits for non-COVID-related care and services are covered. After you meet your deductible, you will pay 20% coinsurance. During the public health emergency due to the pandemic, COVID-related Virtual Visits are covered at 100%.
How mental health Virtual Visits work
Through mental health Virtual Visits, you can consult a licensed mental health professional any day of the week online. A mental health Virtual Visit is similar to an outpatient visit to a mental health provider’s office, but the visit is conducted through an online video conference with providers from Doctor On Demand or MDLIVE.
- You must make appointments in advance – appointments are typically available within five to seven days on average, but could take up to two weeks.
- Only psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication, if deemed necessary and appropriate. (In Virtual Visits, even psychiatrists will not prescribe controlled substances.)
- You can choose between Doctor On Demand and MDLIVE.
What mental health conditions can be treated?
Licensed mental health professionals can provide treatment for the following:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Anger Management
- Insomnia
- Substance Abuse
- Trauma and Loss
- Addiction
Get started
It’s a good idea to create an account now so you’re ready to make an appointment when you need it.
Register to create an account with Doctor On Demand.
Register to create an account with MDLIVE, or you can text the word Activate to 635-483 if you would like help getting started.
For more information
Don’t let mental health concerns dampen your holidays. If you’re feeling down or stressed, reach out to a mental health professional for help.
For more information about HealthSelect mental health benefits, including Virtual Visits, go to www.healthselectoftexas.com or call a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Personal Health Assistant toll-free at (800) 252-8039 (TTY: 711), Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday, 7 a. m. - 3 p.m. CT.
Source: ERS News About Your Benefits (December 2021)