For Seniors Who Have Lost a Spouse, Here’s How Medicare Can Help

Guest post was authored by Sophie Letts of Mediationhelp.net

Losing a spouse and lifelong companion is an emotionally devastating and disorienting experience for an older adult. It’s especially difficult for those who don’t understand depression, don’t recognize the signs, or who wish to avoid what they perceive as negative connotations concerning depression. It’s important to confront the problem; about 40 percent of bereaved seniors meet the criteria for depression one month after such a loss, and depressive symptoms may last for several years in some cases.

It’s when an older adult loses a spouse that he or she needs assistance through the mental health care benefits that Medicare provides. However, understanding those benefits and locating the right professional can be a challenge, especially for someone who is emotionally compromised and trying to recover from the shock of such an overpowering loss. That’s why guest blogger Sophie Letts of Mediationhelp.net offers the following insights.

User-Friendly?

Although Medicare’s website is full of important information, the site is so large and encompassing that it can be easy to get lost navigating among all the pages, which is why it’s often helpful to search out websites that can guide you through the process. The general search option is a good place to begin. You can enter your zip code, Medicare number, and other basic information, which will lead you to details about plans available in your area, along with enrollment criteria for Medicare Part A and B.

Finding Help

If you like easy-to-use search functions, you’ll love the search engine offered for free through Psychology Today. Simply provide your city, zip code, or name for highly detailed information about qualified, Medicare-certified specialists in your area. You’ll find comprehensive listings of psychologists, therapists, counselors, and clinical social workers, along with contact information, specialties (including grief counseling), qualifications, client focus, and accepted insurance plans, including their Medicare status. It’s a streamlined, intuitive approach aimed at helping you locate the help you need to recover from depression.

Additionally, if you find yourself facing the harsh realization that your beloved senior needs more help than you can provide, Senior Care allows you to research facilities more closely. You can look at their features and ratings, as well as pricing, to assist you in that tough decision.

Medicare Part B Scope of Coverage

Medicare Part B covers mental health care such as psychotherapy and family counseling. You can seek care from a wide range of medical and mental health care professionals, including psychiatrists, clinical social workers, clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and physicians’ assistants. A primary doctor or psychiatrist can help you identify services and practitioners who are in the best position to help with your problem. 

However, it’s always important to make sure that a non-medical care professional is Medicare-certified and takes assignments, meaning they accept whatever price Medicare sets. Be especially diligent when checking on psychiatrists, who are more likely than any other health care provider to opt out of Medicare assignments.

Under Part B, you’re eligible for one depression screening per year, individual and group psychotherapy, family counseling, a psychiatric evaluation, and medication management.

Medicare Part A

Medicare Part A covers inpatient mental health services provided in a general or psychiatric hospital, depending on which venue your provider chooses. Out-of-pocket costs will be the same regardless of whether you receive care in a general or psychiatric hospital (original Medicare will cover the first 190 days if you stay in a psychiatric hospital).

If your Medicare plan doesn’t have enough coverage, consider upgrading to a Medicare Advantage plan. These plans cover all the benefits of Part A and B, and certain plans will also cover other things like prescription drugs.

If you’re recovering from the loss of a life partner and need help in coping with depression, rest assured that you’ll have access to all the options necessary for recovery. Locating a qualified, Medicare-certified care professional and understanding the details of your plan will be empowering and help you take back control of your life.