Online therapy is now covered by Medicare Advantage.
OnlinetherapycoveredbyMedicare
If you have Medicare or Medicare Advantage coverage you may have access to Talkspace therapy. Get paired with a trusted therapist to talk through anything that’s on your mind, from the convenience of home. To get started you’ll need your Medicare ID card and emergency contact information.
Mental health support included in your Medicare plan
If you have original Medicare or Medicare Advantage, you now may have access to Talkspace online therapy. Talk to someone you trust, wherever you are.
Medicare or Medicare Advantage coverage for Talkspace includes:
- A private space to discuss relationships, retirement, grief, health conditions, financial concerns, life changes, and anything that’s on your mind
- Live one-on-one therapy sessions from your computer or phone
- Treatment for over 150 mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, OCD, BPD, and more
- Your own dedicated therapist licensed in your state
Check your eligibility
Disclaimer: Your coverage may vary depending on the specifics of your Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan.
How Talkspace works
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Benefits of Talkspace
No longer search for a therapist who accepts Medicare
Simple online scheduling and therapy from home
Switch therapists if needed, with no hassle or extra cost
Receive affordable high-quality mental health care
Talkspace vs in-person
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Research on online therapy effectiveness
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face-to-face therapy
- 80%thought Talkspace was as effective or more effective than traditional therapy.
- 98%found it to be more convenient than traditional therapy.
clinically significant change within:
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Any questions?
Find trust-worthy answers on all things mental health at Talkspace.
Does my Medicare plan cover Talkspace online therapy?
Talkspace virtual therapy may be covered by original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans in select states, listed below:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington DC
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Talkspace is also not covered by original Medicare plans outside the states in our list above, but more should be coming soon.
To learn whether you may receive Medicare coverage for Talkspace therapy, check the page above by filling in your state and Medicare plan information.
What mental health services are covered by Medicare?
Medicare covers mental health services including individual therapy with a licensed therapist, although your specific coverage may vary. Please check Medicare.gov to learn more about the mental health services you can receive through Medicare.
Talkspace virtual therapy is covered by Medicare in some states. Additional states and Medicare Advantage plans are being added on an ongoing basis. To learn whether you can receive Medicare coverage for Talkspace therapy, check the page above by filling in your state and Medicare plan information.
Does Medicare cover online therapy and mental health counseling?
Medicare covers therapy with a licensed therapist, although not every therapist accepts Medicare or is covered by Medicare. Please check the Medicare.gov website to learn more about the mental health services you may be eligible to receive through Medicare. Talkspace virtual therapy is covered by Medicare in some states, and additional states and Medicare Advantage plans are being added on an ongoing basis. To learn whether you can receive Medicare coverage for Talkspace therapy, check the page above by filling in your state and Medicare plan information.
How do I verify therapy coverage under my Medicare plan?
To verify Medicare coverage for Talkspace therapy under your specific Medicare plan, call the number on your Medicare card or visit Medicare.gov to learn more about the mental health services you can receive through Medicare.
How much does online therapy cost with and without Medicare?
The cost of online therapy varies greatly and depends upon the therapy provider and whether the recipient is paying out-of-pocket or is covered by insurance. Online therapy that accepts your Medicare coverage will cost significantly less than paying out-of-pocket. If Talkspace therapy is covered by your Medicare plan, you will only pay coinsurance. If you have supplemental insurance in addition to Medicare, that may cover some portion or all of your coinsurance. To understand your specific costs, please contact your plan as indicated on your Medicare card.
Who qualifies for Medicare mental health coverage?
Individuals 65 and older with Medicare qualify for mental health coverage, though the specifics depend on your Medicare plan. Medicare covers mental health care from providers including psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, among others. To learn more visit Medicare.gov.
What mental health concerns does online therapy through Medicare cover?
Online therapy that takes Medicare, like Talkspace, provides personalized, professional support for everyday challenges with relationships, health, or the life changes that accompany aging. For example, online therapy can help you address grief and loss, chronic health conditions, or career transitions by providing you with a professional who will listen, provide an outside perspective, and help you develop healthy coping strategies. Online therapy also covers mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, grief, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and more.
What types of therapy treatments does Medicare cover?
Medicare covers a variety of online therapy treatments including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy, art therapy, somatic therapy, and more. You can talk with your therapist about the best treatment options for you in order to achieve your goals.
How do I find a therapist that takes Medicare?
It can sometimes be a challenge to find a local in-person therapist who takes Medicare and doesn't have a waitlist, so online therapy can be a great option. Talkspace online therapy accepts Medicare in many states and will match you with a therapist that takes Medicare.
How effective is online therapy covered by Medicare?
Online therapy covered by Medicare is very effective, and a growing body of research proves its effectiveness. Peer-reviewed research found that 80% of people found that Talkspace online therapy is as or more effective than traditional therapy, and 98% found it more convenient. In another study of Talkspace online therapy 70% of people experienced a clinically significant reduction in their anxiety or depression symptoms within 12 weeks. Learn more about the evidence supporting online therapy.
How many therapy sessions does traditional Medicare cover?
Original Medicare typically covers up to 20 online therapy sessions per year, though it may cover more if needed. If you need more sessions and your provider recommends them, you can contact Medicare directly to discuss additional coverage possibilities.
Does Talkspace accept Medicare for psychiatry and medication?
At this time, Talkspace accepts Medicare only for online therapy but will be adding psychiatry and medication management services at a later date.
How do I sign up for Talkspace under my Medicare coverage?
You can select your state and Medicare plan on the webpage above and enter your information as prompted. Enter your medical details exactly as it appears on your Medicare card. After that, the sign up process will have you take a brief assessment and you'll be paired with a therapist.
Can I share my Talkspace diagnosis information with my primary care doctor(s)?
Yes, you can share your pertinent diagnosis and health information with your primary care doctor. You'll need to fill out authorization forms, learn how here.
Am I able to request a copy of my medical records from Talkspace?
You can receive a copy of your medical records from Talkspace by filling out a release form.
How do I contact Talkspace Support?
You can reach out to Talkspace support online here. If you prefer to talk over the phone, you can also give Talkspace support a call at 888-846-4821. Phone support is available Monday through Friday, 9am - 6pm EST.
What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage describes a type of health insurance plan offered by private health insurance companies, including PPOs and HMOs, to people who are eligible for Medicare. These plans are approved and regulated by Medicare. They may offer additional benefits beyond original Medicare, and usually come with additional out-of-pocket costs. In a Medicare Advantage plan you’ll typically need to see providers who are in-network with your specific plan.
You can join a Medicare Advantage plan if you have Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance).
What is the difference between Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Medicare is run by the federal government, through an agency called The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare Advantage plans are run by private companies, in many cases the same PPOs and HMOs that provide private health insurance for people under 65. Although they’re administered through private companies, Medicare Advantage plans adhere to policies set by the federal government for original Medicare.
What does Medicare Advantage typically cover?
Medicare Advantage plans generally cover the same healthcare services covered by original Medicare, and may cover additional services, such as over-the-counter drugs, health and wellness services, treatments for specific chronic conditions, or transportation to doctor visits. Coverage varies by Medicare Advantage plan, so be sure to check the details before signing up for one.
Often you’ll need to use health care providers who are in-network with your specific Medicare Advantage plan. If you can’t find an in-network provider for a particular health need, your plan may help you access medically necessary care from an outside provider. Talkspace is an in-network provider for some Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage members who have access to Talkspace will be paired with a licensed therapist who specializes in older adults, and will be able to receive therapy over live video or audio appointments, from whatever location and at whatever time is most convenient. Your specific coverage depends on your plan and the state where you live, but Talkspace makes it easy to check your coverage through the link above.
Does Medicare advantage cover mental health treatment?
Medicare covers mental health care such as therapy, as well as prescription drugs to treat mental health conditions. Medicare Advantage plans generally provide the same coverage, but may have different provider networks, meaning that a therapist or other provider might be in-network with Medicare but not with your Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for additional mental health treatment for specific conditions.
Does Medicare Advantage cover online therapy?
Some Medicare Advantage plans do cover online therapy, but not every online therapy service is in-network with every plan. Talkspace therapy is now in-network with many Medicare Advantage plans, making it convenient and affordable for people 65 and older with these plans to access a licensed therapist to discuss relationships, retirement, health conditions, grief, or whatever is on their minds. Check your specific coverage to determine if you can receive online therapy under your Medicare Advantage plan.
How many therapy sessions does Medicare Advantage cover?
The number of therapy sessions covered by Medicare Advantage varies according to specific plans, but many plans cover two sessions per month. Check with your specific Medicare Advantage plan to learn more.
What types of therapy are covered by Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage typically covers psychotherapy (aka talk therapy) for a number of common mental health conditions, including Anxiety Disorder, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Panic Disorder, PTSD, OCD, Borderline Personality Disorder, and more. But you don’t need to have a diagnosed condition to receive therapy through Medicare Advantage. You can see a therapist for general support and to talk through whatever is on your mind. Many people 65 and older rely on their therapists to navigate life transitions, grief, relationships, retirement, health challenges, and other normal aspects of aging.