UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (AARP) Mental Health Coverage Guide
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage, marketed through the AARP brand, is the nation's largest Medicare Advantage plan, serving approximately 8 million Medicare beneficiaries. They offer extensive behavioral health coverage with low or no copays in many plans.
Medicare Mental Health Coverage
Medicare Part B covers outpatient mental health services, including individual and group therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management. After meeting your deductible, Medicare typically covers 80% of the approved amount.
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 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (AARP) members:
- Call 1-800-523-5800 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 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (AARP) 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 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (AARP)'s provider directory directly: Find a therapist in your area
Tips for Using the UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (AARP) 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 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (AARP) generally).
- Look for providers who specialize in your specific concern (anxiety, depression, trauma, etc.).
Types of Providers Covered
Telehealth Coverage
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (AARP) covers telehealth therapy sessions, so you can meet with a therapist from home via video or phone.
Couples & Family Therapy
Family therapy covered per Medicare guidelines.
Understanding Your UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (AARP) Coverage
Available Plan Types
Behavioral Health Managed By
Optum Behavioral Health
Some UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (AARP) plans outsource behavioral health management. You may need to call the behavioral health manager directly for authorizations and provider searches.
Prior Authorization
Generally not required for outpatient therapy. May be required for psychological testing and inpatient admissions.
Substance Use Treatment
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (AARP) 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 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (AARP):
| 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 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (AARP)'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 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (AARP) needs to process your claim.
- Submit your claim to UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (AARP) using one of these methods:
- Online: Submit through the member portal
- Mobile App: Submit via the UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (AARP) app
- Fax: 1-801-994-1082
- Mail: UHC Medicare, P.O. Box 31362, Salt Lake City, UT 84131
- Wait for processing. Most claims are processed within 30 days. You will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) showing what was covered.
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
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (AARP) tip: Medicare Advantage plans typically require in-network providers. Submit claims through the UHC Medicare portal.
Save Money on Therapy with UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (AARP)
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 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (AARP)plan or high out-of-pocket costs, ask your therapist about sliding scale options. Some therapists will also offer "single-case agreements" with UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (AARP) at a negotiated rate.