Which Medicare part covers outpatient mental health services provided by authorized healthcare professionals?

The answer is Medicare Part B, which specifically covers outpatient mental health services provided by authorized healthcare professionals. This part of Medicare is designed to help individuals receive preventive and treatment services that are necessary for their mental and emotional well-being.

Part B generally includes therapy sessions, counseling, and certain psychological tests that are performed by licensed psychologists, social workers, and other recognized mental health providers. By covering these essential services, Medicare Part B plays a crucial role in ensuring that beneficiaries have access to the mental health care they need without the burden of excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Medicare Part A, on the other hand, primarily covers inpatient hospital stays, nursing home care, and some home health care services, but it does not extend similar coverage for outpatient mental health care. Medicare Part C refers to Medicare Advantage plans, which combine the benefits of Parts A and B and may include additional features, but the core coverage specifics for outpatient mental health services are found in Part B. Lastly, Medicare Part D focuses on providing prescription drug coverage, thus not addressing outpatient mental health services directly.