Has health insurance coverage lately become more liberal for Military Mental Health issues?

2016-07-15T11:48:28-04:00

Scuttle in the Professional Counseling world is that insurance coverage is becoming more liberal for Military Mental Health issues. In addition, Professional Counselors are being encouraged to get advanced training in PTSD. Have these changes gone far enough?

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jul 15 at 2016 12:05 PM

2016-07-15T12:05:17-04:00

SP5 Mark Kuzinski, I was in the group health insurance industry for over 25 years. Mental health coverage was always a carefully controlled benefit. Controls included copays, maximum numbers of visits and maximums with respect to dollars spent. Employers had to balance between their moral obligation to provide mental health coverage and their ability to pay for it (including employee contributions).
The saying at the time was (maybe still is), "When does an employee get well from a mental health condition?" The answer was, "When their benefits run out!"
Ultimately, the situation remains unchanged. If mental health coverage increases, the costs will increase correspondingly.
Frankly, if any group deserves increased mental health coverage, it's our armed services. However, the issues will still be how much coverage is to be provided, based upon the monies that are budgeted. COL Mikel J. Burroughs SSgt Private RallyPoint Member Maj Kim Patterson

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jul 15 at 2016 3:11 PM

2016-07-15T15:11:59-04:00

Mental Health is a pithy term which covers an amazing array of diseases, issues and associated stigmas SP5 Mark Kuzinski.
Military mental health issues stretch across the breadth and depth of mental health issues from phobias to psychosis. TBI and PTSD range from the relatively mild sporadic symptoms to severe continual symptoms.
Increased coverage of any group comes with costs. If the resources are stable increased support to one group means decreased support elsewhere. In this age increased coverage translates to increased cost and perhaps increased copays.
I concur with LTC Stephen C.'s responses as somebody who is familiar with the industry and a trustworthy friend.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 18 at 2016 11:14 AM

2016-07-18T11:14:21-04:00

SP5 Mark Kuzinski I don;t have enough insight to answer this question from a professional standpoint, but my friend Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM can. Kim your thoughts?

Response by SMSgt Bryan Raines made Jul 19 at 2016 10:28 AM

2016-07-19T10:28:55-04:00

In the Dallas/Ft. Worth area we have several organizations that offer free help with military mental health issues. They are run by licensed/certified mental health professionals and are completely non reportable to any agency at any level of government. You might want to have anyone who is concerned check in their local areas for this type of help.

Response by PFC Jonathan Cantu made Jul 19 at 2016 5:55 PM

2016-07-19T17:55:16-04:00

Well sp5 Kuzinski....Speaking as a veteran who suffers from mental health issues, I would have to answer that question with a resounding no it has not gone far enough....Yes it does cover a lot however, the coverage needs to help veterans who have problems that may not stem from their time in service but, like me my problems started after I got out. Because of my service connected disability, I was not able to get a job and now I have depression associated with it. Unfortunately the v.a. does not cover that from what I keep geting told, s9 in my opinion there is a lot more that needs to be done to help veterans with mental health problems.

Response by Sgt William Coffee made Jul 19 at 2016 11:10 PM

2016-07-19T23:10:43-04:00

I have been in Vet Center counseling for 3 years. It took 43 years for me to get that help because I did not know to ask. That's the catch with PTSD, you have know idea you have it until a professional points out the odd and sometimes hurtful things you do that to you seem perfectly normal. I cannot speak to insurance coverage but the VA has put a lot of resources toward facilities and counselors to help identify the problems. My advice is to seek out your local vet center and ask for an evaluation. It may surprise you. Semper Fi.

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Jul 20 at 2016 10:30 AM

2016-07-20T10:30:29-04:00

More Liberal? LOL. You're right, it's just scuttlebut. If Professional Counselors are being encouraged to get advanced training in PTSD, there lies the problem. They are being "encouraged". This should not be. It should be MANDATORY!!!

Response by Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM made Jul 20 at 2016 11:09 AM

2016-07-20T11:09:05-04:00

Oh My Dear Friend Mark, I was so hoping to keep my mouth shut this week.
To answer your question Directly~No, the insurance has not become more "liberal", in any aspect in the definition of that term.
While it it is true that "Professional Counselors" are currently receiving some form of training for the signs and symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress, the training in way behind the curve.
It remains my op that it is not, advanced enough, even in its current form as it can not provide all that this population requires.
I hope that answers, otherwise I sense a writing assignment being ordered.

Response by TSgt James Carson made Jul 21 at 2016 9:13 PM

2016-07-21T21:13:48-04:00

While the Liberals are in power it's really not safe to see a doctor. I have been warned that the doctors I see or statements I make to the doctor reguarding health prblems can cause me to loose my 2nd ammendment rights. I'm a criminal for just owning a gun. That's nuts. I cannot get police help where I live usually for a day and a half if lucky.

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Nov 6 at 2021 5:29 PM

2021-11-06T17:29:01-04:00

Recognizing & treating PTSD is definitely improving but from my personal experience I think it’s gone overboard. I’ve met people (mostly civilians) who have experienced normal life events & are diagnosed with PTSD rather than ‘situational depression’. A friend’s mom passed from cancer-she’s diagnosed as PTSD. Another friend’s father passed due to alcoholism. She too is diagnosed as PTSD. These examples IMO are trivializing those who have witnessed horrific things, pushed thru & carried on, & now are haunted by the things they saw & for some, the horrific things they did either by direct order, or to save their life or the lives of others!