Do you accept my insurance?

I am an out-of network provider for all insurance companies, and do not bill any insurance company directly. Dealing with insurance companies takes a tremendous amount of time away from my clinical work. By not working with insurance companies, I am able to spend more of my time working with, and for, clients.

I am not paneled with Medicaid or Medicare. I cannot legally charge persons with Medicaid, and therefore I cannot work with you if you have Medicaid. I can see persons with Medicare, but please be aware that if you have Medicare they will not reimburse you for services you receive from me.

If your plan has out of network benefits, your insurance company should reimburse you for some or all of your expenses. PPO plans will often reimburse you a significant portion of your fees. I am happy to provide superbills, or statements for submission to your insurance company upon request. You may also use your Health Savings Account or Health Reimbursement Arrangement.

If you do have out of network benefits, please contact your insurance company prior to your first appointment. Some helpful questions to ask your insurance company:

• How much will my plan cover per session?
• How many sessions per year does my plan cover?
• What information do I need to submit in order to receive out of network reimbursement?
• What address do I send the information to?
• What is the deadline for filing claims?

What are your fees?

My fee is $165 for a 50-minute therapy session. Couples sessions are typically longer and the cost is prorated based on the length of the session at the $165/hr rate. Group fees are $50 per 2-hour session. Group participants are billed on a monthly basis.

I reserve some openings in my caseload for sliding scale clients, who I work with for a reduced rate.  Sliding scale fees may be available depending on financial situation, for example, graduate students, helping professionals working with underserved populations, or those experiencing chronic hardship or illness.  These reduced fee spots are intended for people who could not otherwise attend therapy due to financial restrictions.  If you would like to discuss the possibility of using sliding scale, we can do so during our consultation prior to beginning treatment.

Can I pay for therapy out-of-pocket if I have Medicaid?

Unfortunately not. There is a lot of confusion around this issue, amongst both the general public and providers. Under state law, persons on Medicaid cannot be billed for services covered by Medicaid. This includes the therapy services I offer. In addition, persons with Medicaid are not allowed to pay for services, even if they want to.

For more information, see the Colorado Department of Healthcare Policy and Financing, or the relevant state law.

Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills

When you get treated by an out-of-network provider, you are protected from “surprise billing” or “balance billing.” When you see a doctor or other health care provider, you may owe certain out-of-pocket costs, such as a copayment, coinsurance, and/or a deductible. You may have other costs or have to pay the entire bill if you see a provider or visit a health care facility that isn’t in your health plan’s network.

“Surprise billing” is an unexpected balance bill. This can happen when you can’t control who is involved in your care—like when you have an emergency or when you schedule a visit at an in network facility but are unexpectedly treated by an out-of-network provider. You are also protected from balance billing for emergency services, and certain services at in-network hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers.

In my practice, I do not offer emergency services or surgical services. I do not accept insurance, so I am considered an out-of-network providers for all clients. Therefore, you will never receive a “surprise bill” nor a “balance bill.”

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
• For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit http://www.cms.gov/nosurprises.