Mental health coverage and support is clearly of great interest to those who have an Indiana Farm Bureau Health Plan or are considering getting one.
“This is among the most frequently asked questions by clients,” said Steve Allen, INFB Health Plans manager.
It’s easy to understand why. As of February 2021, more than 1.1 million adults in Indiana had a mental health condition, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. According to Indiana University Health, nearly one in 12 Hoosiers – almost half a million people – meet the criteria for having a substance use disorder.
“There has been an increase in the use of behavioral health services over the last few years, even before COVID,” said Brenda Hogan, director of health services at Farm Bureau Health Plans, the company that administers the health plans offered through INFB.
INFB Health Plans cover a variety of mental or behavioral health services, including inpatient and outpatient treatment of mental health disorders and treatment for substance abuse disorders, so long as those services are deemed medically necessary or medically appropriate, Hogan explained.
There are a few exclusions, and prior authorization is required for inpatient mental and behavioral health care services, Hogan pointed out.
However, health plan holders have access to a variety of professionals, including social workers, psychiatrists and psychologists. These can be accessed in the traditional way and through Talkspace, an online tool that gives plan holders access to help for stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse and more.
The help could include a therapist, but there also are self-help tools and information available over your computer or phone. Members can access this benefit at www.talkspace.com.
Find out more about INFB Health Plans by visiting the plans’ website or call 1-888-964-0854 Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. You also can walk into any county Farm Bureau insurance office.