Empowering your path to wellness. | Serving the ENTIRE state of West Virginia
Insurance FAQs
HIGHLIGHTS
-
You are responsible for knowing your insurance benefits, but we will try to help.
-
You should call your insurance company and ask if your provider is in network, whether the service is covered, and how much you have to pay out of pocket.
-
This still may not get you a completely accurate picture up front, but it may get you close to predicting your likely out-of-pocket costs.
-
If your insurance company does not pay us, you are responsible for payment.
-
We DO accept CARECREDIT - apply here
At Appalachian Counseling Center, we understand that health insurance can be confusing and frustrating. We strive to provide clarity and support, but please note that we are not health insurance professionals. Our goal is to help guide you through the process based on our experience with insurance companies, but it is essential that you verify your benefits directly with your insurance provider to ensure coverage.
Insurance Information for Appalachian Counseling Center
Is My Insurance Accepted at Appalachian Counseling Center?
In general, if your provider is in-network and your visit meets medical necessity guidelines, your services should be covered. However, because insurance plans can change frequently, we verify benefits just before your appointment. If you need to know your coverage sooner, we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly.
Important: Even if you receive an estimate of coverage from your insurance company, it’s important to remember that it is not a guarantee of payment. Insurance companies often inform us that benefit quotes are not final, and the actual payment decision is made when the claim is processed, which may take weeks or even months.
How Do I Know if My Services Are Covered?
While we try to verify benefits as a courtesy, we recommend that you reach out to your insurance company prior to your appointment. Here are some key questions to ask:
-
Is Appalachian Counseling Center considered in-network for mental health services?
-
Is the service I need (therapy, psychological testing, etc.) covered under my plan?
-
Will I have to pay a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible for this service? If so, how much?
-
Do I need pre-authorization for this service? If yes, how can I get it?
-
Are tele-therapy services covered?​
Please note: Even if your insurance provider confirms that the service is covered, you must still meet medical necessity guidelines. For example, if you are diagnosed with a condition not covered under your insurance plan, you will be responsible for paying out-of-pocket.
Why am I getting a bill months after my appointment?
We submit insurance claims promptly, but processing can take time. Insurance companies may take up to a month (or longer) to process claims. If your claim is denied or needs reprocessing, this could further delay your bill. On rare occasions, claims have taken over six months to finalize. We will contact your insurance company on your behalf to resolve any issues.
What happens if I can't pay t my deductible?
If your insurance applies your treatment costs toward your deductible, this means we haven't been paid. You will be responsible for the remaining balance. Please note that per our contracts with insurance companies, we cannot forgive this balance. Payment is expected when services are rendered, including copayments, coinsurance, and deductible amounts. Unpaid bills may be sent to collections.
​
If you're unable to pay the balance upfront, we offer CareCredit as a financing option. CareCredit is a healthcare credit card that allows you to pay your balance over time with flexible payment plans. You can apply for CareCredit directly on their website or ask us for assistance.
What if I have more questions about my benefits?
While we are here to help in any way we can—including assisting with claims and contacting your insurance—we recommend that you speak directly with your health insurance company for the most accurate information about your benefits. Be sure to document the date and time of your call, the representative’s name, and any reference numbers they provide.
Appalachian is in-network with many insurances:
Aetna, Aetna Better Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield (Highmark), Blue Cross Blue Shield FED, Caresource, Cigna Evernorth, Curalink, Health Smart, PEIA, The Health Plan, Medicare, Tricare, UMR, UMWA Health and Retirement Insurance Plan, United Healthcare, Unicare, WVMedicaid
If you do not have insurance, we offer very affordable services through our student interns who receive superior training and supervision. We also provide Straight Pay options for those who need them.
​
Additionally, we offer CareCredit, a healthcare credit card that provides flexible financing options for medical expenses. If you're unable to pay upfront, CareCredit allows you to break down your payments into manageable installments. You can apply for CareCredit directly on their website or ask us for assistance in applying.
Call us at 681.404.MTNZ (6861) or simply fill out this form and we’ll help you with your next step.
As a courtesy to our office as well as to those patients who are waiting to schedule with the clinician/life coach, please give us at least 24 hours notice to avoid the NO SHOW/LATE CANCELLATION FEE
At Appalachian Counseling Center, we strive to make your pathway to mental wellness as seamless as possible. If you are considering utilizing an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), our dedicated insurance team is here to assist. We will verify your eligibility and confirm acceptance of your EAP, ensuring that you can make full use of the benefits available to you. We are proud to accept up to FIVE (5) approved EAP sessions, which can be a pivotal step in your mental health journey. Should you need further assistance beyond these sessions, we can help you transition to using your personal insurance coverage, ensuring continued support without interruption. At Appalachian Counseling Center, your mental health is our priority.