Manhattan Mental Health Counseling (MMHC), a New York-based telehealth psychotherapy practice, announced expanded Medicare Advantage mental health coverage. Now in-network with five major carriers serving 78% of New York’s 1.8 million Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, MMHC offers licensed mental health therapy to seniors at copays as low as $0 per session, with no referral needed on most plans.
Network and Coverage
MMHC accepts Healthfirst, Molina Healthcare, United Healthcare, EmblemHealth (VIP Medicare), and Fidelis Care. The practice has assembled a dedicated Medicare billing team and a roster of geriatric-trained therapists to support the program, with first sessions available the same week a patient reaches out. MMHC provides online therapy to Medicare Advantage members throughout New York State, including New York City, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Long Island, Westchester County, and upstate regions. The practice’s 80+ clinicians specialize in anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and geriatric mental health.
Clinical Expertise
Geriatric-trained therapists specialize in mental health challenges prevalent among adults 65 and older, applying evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy adapted for older adults, Interpersonal Therapy, Problem-Solving Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions. Managing Director Steven Buchwald noted that “later life brings major transitions: retirement, health changes, grief, and caregiving responsibilities. Therapy can be incredibly valuable during those periods.” Most Medicare Advantage plans accepted by MMHC allow self-referral for mental health services, and coverage is based on medical necessity without fixed annual session limits.
Access for Older Adults
The expansion reflects growing demand for Medicare Advantage mental health coverage among older adults seeking convenient telehealth options that remove transportation and access barriers. MMHC’s dedicated intake and workflow manages all claims submissions directly, so patients do not need to file paperwork themselves.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/26/03/g51175469/medicare-advantage-mental-health-coverage-in-new-york-0-30-online-therapy-sessions