Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program Mental Health Coverage Guide
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP Blue) is the most popular health plan in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, covering approximately 5.3 million federal employees, retirees, and their families nationwide.
Federal Employee Benefits
FEHB plans are required to cover mental health services under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. Most plans offer robust behavioral health benefits, including therapy, psychiatric services, and substance use treatment.
How to Verify Your Mental Health Benefits
Before your first appointment, verify your specific benefits so you know what to expect. Here is a step-by-step process for Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program members:
- Call 1-800-411-2583 and have your member ID card ready.
- Ask to speak with the behavioral health benefits department.
- Ask: "What is my deductible for outpatient mental health services, and how much have I met?"
- Ask: "What is my copay or coinsurance for an in-network therapy session?"
- Ask: "Do I have out-of-network benefits, and what is the reimbursement rate?"
- Ask: "Is prior authorization required for outpatient therapy?"
- Ask: "Is there a session limit per year?"
- Ask: "Are telehealth sessions covered at the same rate as in-person?"
Know Your Rights: Mental Health Parity Act
Federal law requires Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program to cover mental health services at the same level as medical and surgical benefits. If you are denied coverage, ask for the denial in writing and reference the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.
Want to keep track of all these details? Use our free benefits verification worksheet to organize your coverage information.
Finding an In-Network Therapist
Search Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program's provider directory directly: Find a therapist in your area
Tips for Using the Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program Directory
- Filter by "Behavioral Health" or "Mental Health" specialty.
- Check that the provider is accepting new patients before calling.
- Confirm the provider is in-network for your specific plan (not just Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program generally).
- Look for providers who specialize in your specific concern (anxiety, depression, trauma, etc.).
Types of Providers Covered
Telehealth Coverage
Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program covers telehealth therapy sessions, so you can meet with a therapist from home via video or phone.
Couples & Family Therapy
Family therapy covered when medically necessary. FEP is generally generous with family therapy coverage.
Understanding Your Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program Coverage
Available Plan Types
Prior Authorization
Not required for outpatient therapy. Required for inpatient admissions.
Substance Use Treatment
Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program covers substance use disorder treatment, including outpatient counseling, intensive outpatient programs, and inpatient rehabilitation.
Common CPT Codes for Therapy
These are the billing codes your therapist will use when filing claims with Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program:
| CPT Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 90791 | Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation |
| 90834 | Individual therapy (45 minutes) |
| 90837 | Individual therapy (60 minutes) |
| 90847 | Family / couples therapy (with patient present) |
| 90846 | Family therapy (without patient present) |
| 90853 | Group therapy |
How to Get Reimbursed (Out-of-Network)
If you are seeing a therapist who is not in Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program's network, you may still be able to get reimbursed. Here is how:
- Pay your therapist directly at the time of your session.
- Request a superbill from your therapist after each session. This is a detailed receipt with the information Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program needs to process your claim.
- Submit your claim to Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program using one of these methods:
- Online: Submit through the member portal
- Mobile App: Submit via the Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program app
- Fax: 1-800-624-5060
- Mail: BCBS FEP, P.O. Box 75517, Washington, DC 20013-5517
- Wait for processing. Most claims are processed within 30 days. You will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) showing what was covered.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program Claims Note
FEP has a nationwide network using the full BCBS system. Claims are processed by your local BCBS plan.
What Your Superbill Should Include
- Therapist's name, credentials, NPI number, and tax ID
- Date of service
- CPT code (e.g., 90834 or 90837)
- ICD-10 diagnosis code
- Amount charged
- Your name and date of birth
Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program tip: FEP claims are processed by your local BCBS plan. Submit to the local plan using the address on your FEP ID card. FEP uses the enrollment code prefix on your card for routing.
Save Money on Therapy with Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program
Use Your HSA or FSA
Therapy is an eligible expense for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). You can use these pre-tax dollars to pay for copays, coinsurance, and out-of-network therapy costs, effectively saving 20-35% on your therapy expenses.
Ask About Sliding Scale Fees
Many therapists offer reduced rates based on your income. If you have a high deductible Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Programplan or high out-of-pocket costs, ask your therapist about sliding scale options. Some therapists will also offer "single-case agreements" with Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program at a negotiated rate.