By Sarah Turner, Clinical Services Coordinator
It starts with a phone call, most often from a family member looking for help for their loved one. These calls can be difficult as callers recount the mental health struggles, hospitalizations, failed treatments and the impact on their entire family unit. Residential mental health is not covered by most insurance companies. If there is any coverage at all, it is most often for only a few days. Paying for services out of pocket can be a financial struggle for many people. Thanks to our many generous donors, Hopewell is able to offer a discounted rate for those that qualify.
Once an admission happens, Medicaid eligibility is assessed, and if the resident qualifies, we start the Medicaid application process. Medicaid will not pay for residential mental health treatment; however they will pay for medications, medical visits, hospitalizations, lab testing, even vision and dental care. Even if a resident already has a private or commercial plan, Medicaid can be used for secondary coverage. Medicaid establishment is useful for discharge planning as well. There are many providers and mental health services in the Cleveland area that are excellent discharge options for Hopewell residents but require Medicaid establishment.
Discharging from Hopewell is an exciting time for residents, but it can also be anxiety inducing. Leaving residential treatment without having worked in months, sometimes years, brings many challenges. We are able to connect residents with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation to help with job readiness and job placement.
For residents who are unable to work, Hopewell can help them to apply for disability benefits. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly income to individuals who are limited in their ability to work because of physical or mental disability and have contributed Social Security tax contributions through prior work. As of 2019, over two million people received SSDI benefits due to mood, psychiatric, or other mental disability, amounting to one in five SSDI beneficiaries.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program that provides financial assistance to disabled individuals with low resources. Eligibility requires a disability determination and financial need determined by income and assets. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), currently about eight million individuals rely on SSI benefits, including many people with severe mental health conditions. Having income, even disability income, can help foster a sense of independence for individuals who are experiencing mental health struggles and are unable to work.
Entering residential mental health treatment can be a stressful time for individuals and their families. At Hopewell we do everything we can to help ease the financial strain and help our clients foster independence.
