Help about Insurance? (Or lack thereof?)

[-Asphyxia-]

Not sure if this should be in Veterans or what, but...

I am not getting coverage anywhere as far as insurance goes, simply due to my anxiety...I don't understand?! Millions of people have this problem...(And it's not my only one.)

How do you go about finding free or minimal cost mental health services in your state? (I'm in the US, obviously.)

Please help; I am lost. Thank you so much in advance. *hugs*

not sure what state you're in, but each state has something called medicaid, which is government insurance. here in AZ they call it ACCHS. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to get. It's based on your income and living situation. Here you have to go through the Department of Economic Security (DES). So you can give that a shot. I managed to get it, which is good. It covers physical health too. However i'm at risk of losing it cause i'm working more than just part time now so it's not a very sure source of insurance.

Another way to go is to apply for SMI (seriously mentally ill). It means your mental illness has consumed your life so much that you really need continual treatment without worrying about payment. That's what I have. I don't have to worry about any mental health payments until I leave the system, which is either of MY doing, or theirs, but they have to show that you have been stable for a very long time to discharge you. It is difficult to get for some people, it really depends how bad your mental illness is. For me, I couldn't hold down jobs, attend school, or stay out of the hospital. I think SMI is available in all states, so look into that too. It's free to apply, so it can't hurt even if you're not sure if you can get it.

Hope that helps.

[-Asphyxia-]

Thank you for the reply. The first bit would probably be better for me right now...I also was discussing this with a friend who gave me some resources...It's so frustrating right now, and this whole issue is causing me a lot of distress; it's almost as if everything is exacerbated simply because I know I can't do anything about it...

I just started seeing a counselor this year, and my mom said that I would be covered no problem if I never would have sought help. (WTF?) Makes absolutely no sense...Heaven forbid I try and help myself!

[one lie at a time]

Definitely look into applying for Medicaid/Medicare. The process takes a couple months, but is definitely worth it if you get it. And if you don't, you can appeal it. It should cover all of your expenses. Google your state and medicaid, and find out where the local office is, if you're interested. Good luck! xxx

yes unfortunately seeking help is a "pre-existing condition". i find it unfair insurance companies can discriminate like that (i mean aren't you paying them to protect you FOR your illness not for not having an illness???), but it is how it works.

[-Asphyxia-]

Quote:

Originally Posted by peace>x<reptiles

yes unfortunately seeking help is a "pre-existing condition". i find it unfair insurance companies can discriminate like that (i mean aren't you paying them to protect you FOR your illness not for not having an illness???), but it is how it works.

Yes...It boggles my mind. (And my mom is a supervisor at an insurance company! lol She is just as frustrated as me.) It angers me how differently they treat physical illness in comparison to mental illness...