Paying For Treatment

Managing your mental health is a key part of having a successful college experience, but finding and paying for care can feel complicated. You should know that there are options available, no matter your financial situation.

Here we’ll break down the different ways University of Michigan students can pay for mental health services, from on-campus resources to using your insurance, so you can focus on your well-being without the added stress of figuring out the cost.

Payment options

Mental health services can be accessed on- or off-campus, depending on where you choose to seek care. These services can be paid for in different ways:

Student fees, which are paid as part of your tuition for on-campus services
Health insurance, including private, parental, employer or governmental plans
Cash

Student fees are paid each semester you are enrolled as part of your tuition. These fees cover most University Health & Counseling (UHC) services. It’s important to know that this benefit is only available if you are currently enrolled in classes. If you take a semester off, you will not be able to use UHC services during that time. Contact UHC with questions about using their services while you are attending college.

Paying for your mental health treatment

When making an appointment for mental health care, you will be asked what type of medical insurance you have. Regardless of your insurance, income or employment status, you have options.

If you have health insurance

Health insurance can cover long-term counseling, medication, rehabilitation, emergency room visits or hospitalizations. Individual coverage varies depending on your policy. It’s important to become familiar with your insurance plan and ask questions if needed.

Contact your insurance company before coming to campus

Before moving, call the number on your insurance card and inform them that you are going away to school and would like to verify your coverage. Ask the following questions:

Does my insurance policy pay for mental health services in Ann Arbor, Michigan? This is especially important for students coming from outside the state. Some policies only cover treatment within a specific geographic area.
Which services are covered by my insurance policy? Ask them to send you the Summary of Benefits & Coverage, which outlines all of your plan details.
Can I see any provider I want, or is there a list of providers (or a network) to choose from? What happens if I see someone who is not on that list?
Does my policy cover medications? Ask about which pharmacies you can use.

TIP: Take a photo of the front and back of your insurance and prescription plan cards in case you ever lose them.

Before getting medical or mental health care

If you decide to seek mental health care, call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card and ask:

How much do I have to pay for a mental health visit?
How many mental health counseling visits are covered in a year?
Will my insurance plan pay for the services I need? If so, will they pay the entire cost?
Do I need a referral before receiving mental health services? Specialists often require referrals from a primary care provider before they will see you. If you need approvals, contact University Health & Counseling for guidance.

There are some costs that you may be responsible for:

Copays. A small amount of the total charge each time you use services. Many offices expect payment at the time of service.
Deductibles. A set amount toward your care before your insurer will cover any expenses. Find out the amount of the deductible.

Questions to ask the health care provider’s office

When calling to make an appointment, be sure you have your insurance card and your identification handy. Ask the scheduler:

Do you accept my insurance?
How much will I have to pay when I arrive for my appointment?
What forms of payment do you accept?
How do you bill for treatment? Depending on your policy, you may be required to pay the entire bill and then be reimbursed later.

Insurance & care options for U-M students

Having health insurance is essential for maintaining your overall health and well-being. Enrolled University of Michigan students have no out-of-pocket costs for most visits and services at University Health & Counseling. These services are covered by a health service fee, which is included in your tuition.

UHC also offers a variety of health plans for U-M students. These plans offer coverage for emergency care or other services not covered by your health service fees. If you are uninsured or underinsured, we encourage you to explore these options.

Low-cost options

Some providers may offer medical care using a sliding scale fee. This means they are willing to adjust the cost of your care based on your income and financial means. You can ask about this option when making your appointment. You may be asked to show pay stubs or other proof of income to qualify. Corner Health Center and Ozone House are local facilities that offer sliding-scale fees.

Paying for your medication

When you take medication for a mental health condition, it’s important to refill your prescriptions on time and take your medication every day. When you are uninsured or underinsured, paying for prescriptions can sometimes be difficult. If you are ever unsure about how you will pay for medication, there are a few things you can do:

Talk with your prescriber about your concerns. There's often someone in the office who can offer guidance.
Consider purchasing the generic brand if available. They're chemically identical to their name-brand counterparts but are sold at a lower price. Ask your prescriber if a generic brand is available.
Talk to your pharmacist. These professionals often have information about discount prescription programs.

Prescription resources

NeedyMeds. Search for medication and see a list of all related patient assistance programs.
Patient Assistance Program. Free or low-cost prescription medicine is provided to you if you are uninsured or underinsured.