Charges for Mental Health Services
Charges for the
categories of service described below are based on the actual cost of
providing the services. Rates for professional services provided by staff of
DHHS are approved by the DHHS Board. Rates for professional services
provided by others are governed by contractual agreements that may offer
preferential rates for DHHS clients.
If
a client has the ability to pay privately or through an insurance plan, the
client should first seek services from the private sector.
Regular Assessment Services
When DHHS authorizes or provides an assessment for possible mental
health problems, the client or responsible party is liable for the full cost
of the assessment. If appropriate, DHHS will bill the client's insurance or
other payers such as Medicare and Medicaid for the assessment.
If
the client does not have insurance or if insurance does not pay all charges,
the client or responsible party will be required to pay a monthly fee based
on Ability to Pay.
Court-Ordered Assessment Services
Clients who receive court-ordered assessments
for possible mental health problems are required to pay the full cost of the
assessment on the day of the assessment.
Court-ordered assessments are usually not covered by insurance, so DHHS will
not bill other payers. If a client wants to submit an insurance claim for an
assessment, DHHS will provide a bill to support the client's claim. Not
complying with the requirements of a court-ordered assessment may result in
the court imposing penalties.
Outpatient Treatment Services
When DHHS authorizes or provides outpatient services for
mental health problems, the client or responsible party is liable for the
full cost of the services. If appropriate, DHHS will bill the client's
insurance or other payers such as Medicare and Medicaid for the services.
If the
client does not have insurance or if insurance does not pay all charges, the
client or responsible party will be required to pay a monthly fee based on
Ability to Pay.
Hospital Treatment
If DHHS authorizes a client to receive mental health
treatment in a hospital, the client or responsible party is liable for all
charges related to that episode of treatment. If the client provides
information about insurance or other payment sources, the treating facility
will bill those sources. If the client does not have insurance, or if
insurance does not pay all charges related to the client's care, the client
is liable for paying the treating facility directly.
If DHHS
facilitates and authorizes the treatment, and the client cannot pay the
facility, DHHS will pay the facility on behalf of the client. However, the
client retains financial liability to repay DHHS in full.
Terms of repayment will be based on Ability to Pay.