Can I submit my out-of-pocket therapy expenses to my insurance to help meet my deductible?
Hello! I see a therapist weekly on a sliding scale of $100. Additionally, I receive Botox treatments for migraines, which are supposed to be covered by my insurance. However, I just found out that I’m being charged $250 per treatment until I meet my $2,500 deductible. My therapist is a licensed professional, but I pay her through PayPal, and I don’t go through an agency—she was referred to me by a friend and has been partially retired.
Is there a way for me to report my therapy costs to my insurance to help meet my deductible, so they’ll cover treatments like my Botox? My insurance card shows Capital Blue Cross, but the hospital’s billing system charged the Botox to Empire BC/BS commercial, which has me feeling confused about my coverage since I get my insurance through my parents.
You may be able to report your out-of-pocket therapy costs to your insurance company, but there are a few important factors to consider.
Insurance Coverage for Therapy: Usually, health insurance plans cover therapy sessions only if the provider is in-network and properly billed to the insurance company. Since you are currently paying your therapist directly and not going through an insurance-billed process, it may not count toward your deductible. It’s a good idea to check if your therapist can provide a Superbill, which is an itemized invoice that includes the necessary information for insurance reimbursement.
Check your Plan Details: Since your card indicates Capital Blue Cross and you mentioned Empire BC/BS, it’s essential to clarify your specific insurance plan and network. Contact your insurance company directly to confirm which plan you have, what providers are in-network, and whether therapy sessions are covered.
Reporting Costs: If your insurance does cover your therapist and she can provide a Superbill with the appropriate codes, you can submit that to your insurance for reimbursement. This could help you reach your deductible. Make sure to keep all receipts and documentation related to your therapy sessions.
Contact Your Insurance: To get clarity, reach out to Capital Blue Cross customer service. They can provide guidance on how to proceed and what documentation you’ll need. It might also be useful to have your therapist contact them for any necessary verification.
Billing for Botox: It’s also worth discussing with your Botox provider about the billing to see if they can assist in clarifying your insurance situation with both companies involved.
Make sure to gather all necessary information before contacting your insurance to ensure a smooth process!