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What’s Included and What’s Not
Understanding your insurance coverage is essential before beginning therapy. For residents of Omaha and the greater Nebraska area, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) remains one of the largest insurers providing mental health benefits.
This article outlines the typical services of Blue Cross Blue Shield therapy coverage in Nebraska, which services are excluded, and how to confirm your benefits.
Covered Mental Health Services
Most BCBS plans in Nebraska include coverage for the following:
- Outpatient psychotherapy – individual counseling for adults and adolescents.
- Family or couples therapy – when determined to be medically necessary.
- Group therapy – conducted by licensed behavioral health providers.
- Psychiatric assessment and medication management.
- Telehealth sessions – virtual counseling through licensed, in-network providers.
These services are generally subject to deductibles, copays, or coinsurance.
Services Commonly Excluded
While BCBSNE covers a wide range of mental health care, the following are typically not covered:
- Non-clinical services such as life coaching, executive coaching, or career counseling.
- Therapy provided by non-licensed or non-contracted providers.
- Psychoeducational or academic testing for schools/employers.
- Missed session or late cancellation fees.
- Experimental or non-standard therapeutic interventions.
Factors That Influence Coverage
Your exact benefits depend on:
- Plan type: PPO vs HMO vs Federal Employee vs Marketplace.
- Employer-specific contracts: Large employers in Omaha (e.g., Union Pacific, Mutual of Omaha) may have customized benefit structures.
- Deductible status: Until deductibles are met, clients may pay full contracted rates.
- Pre-authorization requirements: Certain higher-level services (like intensive outpatient programs) may require approval.
Confirming Your Benefits
To ensure clarity before scheduling therapy:
- Call the customer service number on your BCBS card.
- Ask specifically:
- “What are my outpatient mental health benefits?”
- “What is my copay or coinsurance for therapy sessions?”
- “Do I need prior authorization?”
- Verify directly with your chosen provider that they are in-network with BCBSNE.
Many clinics, including Austerity Health, offer complimentary benefits verification prior to the first session.
Conclusion
It’s important to know about Blue Cross Blue Shield therapy coverage in Nebraska before calling the first provider, so you know what to ask.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska provides comprehensive coverage for mental health services, but not all services are included. By understanding what is covered, avoiding non-covered services, and verifying your benefits before care begins, you can make therapy both accessible and affordable.
At Austerity Health, we guide clients through their BCBS benefits and ensure their mental health care is delivered with financial transparency.
👉 Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a BCBS in-network provider in Omaha.