AboutMichael Higgins Expertise All questions pertaining to health insurance, whether group, individual/family, student, child-only, COBRA, HIPAA, Portability, dental. No expert knowledge in areas such as life insurance, disability, workman's compensation, auto, etc.
Experience 27 years as owner of health insurance agency, primarily dealing with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.
Education/Credentials College, Business Administration.
Question Hello, my question is in regards to mental health coverage. I am 19-years-old and want to see a psychiatrist or therapist while I am on summer break from college, but I don't want my parents to know about it. Is it possible to schedule an appointment on their insurance without their knowledge if I pay any extra fees? I have Oxford.
Also--if I were to see someone and they prescribed anything, would that information be confidential or would my parents know about that as well? I'd appreciate any help you can give. Thanks!
Answer Hi Lauren:
Your parents do not have the ability to know about your claims history unless you signed a confidentiality release form allowing them access to such information.
Having said that, we do not live in a perfect world, and to be safe I would call your insurance company and verify this. You do not need to give your name or policy number, (though I see no problem in doing so.) Simply mention the plan you have, that you are an adult student on your parents plan, that you would like to see a therapist, but you do not want this divulged to your parents. You want to know if the insuror will send a statement to your parents regarding the claim, and if so, not to do so, and supply them with a different address.
Most likely the best way of going about this is to make it perfectly clear to the front office staff at the doctors office your concerns...that they are not to send any statements or bills to your parents. They will know what to do, as this is a very common concern.
You will want to know what your specific mental health benefits are with your policy. Often, mental health benefits are not the same as other medical conditions. The benefits are usually less. Your insuror possibly contracts with a company that offers 20 or so therapy visits a year for a low co-pay each visit, and you should see if this is available to you, as opposed to a standard psychiatrist session at $200+ a visit.
And lastly, the most important point is that you are addressing the problem. Whether your parents find out, what it costs, where the bill goes, etc., is secondary in my opinion. Do the next right thing indicated, which is getting the help you seek, and everything else will work out just fine. You are to be commended for taking action, as most do not. Suffice it to say, from personal experience, I know of what I speak.
Let me know if I may be of further assistance Lauren.
