Centene / Ambetter Mental Health Coverage Guide
Centene Corporation is the largest Medicaid managed care company in the U.S., also operating Ambetter marketplace plans in nearly every state. With over 28 million members across all product lines, they serve a large population of individuals seeking affordable mental health care.
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 Centene / Ambetter members:
- Call 1-877-687-1197 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 Centene / Ambetter 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 Centene / Ambetter's provider directory directly: Find a therapist in your area
Tips for Using the Centene / Ambetter 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 Centene / Ambetter generally).
- Look for providers who specialize in your specific concern (anxiety, depression, trauma, etc.).
Types of Providers Covered
Telehealth Coverage
Centene / Ambetter covers telehealth therapy sessions, so you can meet with a therapist from home via video or phone.
Couples & Family Therapy
Family therapy covered when billed with an individual diagnosis.
Understanding Your Centene / Ambetter Coverage
Available Plan Types
Prior Authorization
Varies by state. Generally not required for standard outpatient therapy. Prior auth often required for psychological testing and intensive programs.
Substance Use Treatment
Centene / Ambetter 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 Centene / Ambetter:
| 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 Centene / Ambetter'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 Centene / Ambetter needs to process your claim.
- Submit your claim to Centene / Ambetter using one of these methods:
- Online: Submit through the member portal
- Mobile App: Submit via the Centene / Ambetter app
- Mail: Ambetter Claims, P.O. Box 5010, Farmington, MO 63640
- Wait for processing. Most claims are processed within 30 days. You will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) showing what was covered.
Centene / Ambetter Claims Note
Claims addresses vary by state. Check your member ID card for the correct address.
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
Centene / Ambetter tip: Claims addresses and processes vary significantly by state. Always use the address on your specific member ID card. Include your state-specific Ambetter plan name.
Save Money on Therapy with Centene / Ambetter
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 Centene / Ambetterplan or high out-of-pocket costs, ask your therapist about sliding scale options. Some therapists will also offer "single-case agreements" with Centene / Ambetter at a negotiated rate.