Neurofeedback therapy represents one of the greatest innovations in psychology in recent times. Neurofeedback therapy consists of training the brain so that patients become aware of the electrical activity of this organ, learn to self-regulate, and become aware of the operant conditioning of each individual. The ultimate goal of neurofeedback therapy is for patients to achieve emotional balance by reinforcing healthy activity. This brain training generates lasting positive changes in the patient’s life. Neurofeedback therapy is applied to complex issues such as anxiety disorders, addictions, behavioral problems, and attention disorders, among many others. Many people ask, as a beneficial therapy, is neurofeedback therapy covered by Medicare? The answer is yes, but only for specific therapies supported by apparent effectiveness and scientific evidence supporting them, such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity-Disorder (ADHD).
Effectiveness of Neurofeedback Therapy
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, is a common mental health problem among children and adolescents in the United States. Behavioral therapy and stimulant medication are the most commonly applied tools to overcome this disorder. Insurers often reimburse for these treatments, even if the effectiveness of the treatments is not the best. Although these treatments meet the highest standards, the reality is that neither treatment is of sustained benefit to the patient over time. As neurofeedback therapy has been successfully applied to children and adolescents who have ADHD, more insurers are reimbursing for this treatment. In addition, systems such as Medicare and Medicaid have reimbursement schemes because they are aware of the effectiveness of neurofeedback therapy.
As time goes by, more and more benefits of neurofeedback therapy are discovered, which is why several medical and mental health plans cover this service for specific conditions such as depression, insomnia, migraine, tinnitus, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, among several others. It is worth mentioning that the insurance companies currently covering neurofeedback therapy are Medicare, Medicaid, VA Community Cares, Humana, Cigna, Medcost, UHC, Optum, UHS, and UMR. Once you know that neurofeedback therapy is covered by insurance, it is helpful to know how it will be billed, as many insurers consider it an out-of-network cost and therefore charge extra fees.
Is Neurofeedback a necessary therapy?
As the popularity of neurofeedback therapy grew, more and more people wondered: is neurofeedback therapy covered by Medicare? This highly effective treatment is why more and more insurance companies are covering it. The point is that this therapy has its costs and requires more than two sessions a week to carry it out, whether for psychological problems such as depression or physical problems such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Therefore, thee and more insurance companies are covering neurofeedback therapy, which is a great help for patients and their families dealing with complex health problems.
Neurofeedback therapy is time-consuming, but its effectiveness lasts a lifetime. As this technique evolves, the more scientific support it gets, the more insurance companies cover this service. In addition, this procedure is painless, non-invasive, and pleasurable for patients. These characteristics differentiate it from invasive therapies and make the patient uncomfortable. That is why several insurers have considered the multiple benefits of neurofeedback therapy and decided to cover it so that more and more patients feel better and overcome the problem that afflicts them. So far, this treatment has had no adverse effects, encouraging more companies to cover this therapy.
What exactly does Medicare cover?
Medicare covers neurofeedback therapy in most cases, subject to a specific rule. Therefore, coverage rates may vary depending on the reason for this treatment. The way billing is coded should also be considered because it influences the benefits provided.
The patient’s age also affects coverage, as some neurological issues are more common in children than in older adults, who are more likely to be Medicare beneficiaries.
Medicare also covers other therapies that are necessary for addition to neurofeedback therapy. For example, some patients with epilepsy also need rehabilitation therapy. In addition, Medicare also covers some medications to process electrical signals and route them correctly to the brain.
Medicare covers physical therapy and neurofeedback treatment in cases of severe injury and serious illness.
Medicare will first analyze the patient’s situation and then determine the coverage it will provide. The key is to be clear about what Medicare will cover so that the patient knows exactly how much he will pay.
Future Coverage of Neurofeedback Therapies
Neurofeedback therapy is evolving rapidly, and thanks to the scientific endorsement that more and more companies have, they cover it. Furthermore, this treatment works where many other therapies have failed, increasing the credibility of neurofeedback therapy. Medicare currently partially covers this treatment, depending on several factors related to the patient. However, the future is positive since neurofeedback therapy has so far proven to be highly effective. Surely shortly, Medicare will fully cover this treatment.
A positive aspect to highlight is that the Medicaid health program covers neurofeedback therapy, although with some specific characteristics. Before covering this treatment, Medicaid will evaluate each case individually. Therefore, the final cost of the treatment will be affordable for the patient, regardless of the age group to which they belong.
This makes it possible for an efficient, modern, and sophisticated treatment such as neurofeedback to be available to a large part of the population, regardless of their income. Very soon, neurofeedback therapy will be accessible to all Americans while this treatment continues to advance rapidly.
Conclusion
Neurofeedback therapy is revolutionizing psychology, improving the quality of life of those suffering from mental disorders and specific physical health problems. Because this treatment is highly effective, it has become popular. Health systems such as Medicare and Medicaid have accepted it, benefiting millions. Insurance companies such as Cigna, Medcost, and Optum, among others, also cover neurofeedback therapy. This treatment has a great future, as it provides solutions to complex health issues affecting people of all ages. In addition, Neurofeedback therapy is patient-friendly, as the treatment is entirely personalized and non-invasive.
In a short time, this therapy will be covered by more and more companies, benefiting many people.
