As if long waiting lists and a shortage of therapists were not hard enough, high copays and deductibles create a barrier that prevents many insured but lower-income families from getting the mental health services they need. We’re here to help.
Mental Health Copay Assistance
Our Mental Health Copay Assistance program is not insurance, but a grant that reduces insured patients’ copays to just $10. This program is for youth (0-25 years old) and their parents who do not qualify for Medicaid but whose household income is 250% of the federal poverty guideline, which is $66,250 for a family for four people. Young people and parents can visit a licensed mental health provider who accepts their current insurance.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, this program is truly improving and saving lives and restoring families.
“I tend to work with clients who are highly suicidal, and I wanted you to know your program is helping to save lives,” said participating provider Dr. Betty Edgington of Campus Wellness Partners.
“Our son has the ability now to take a step back, consider his action, calm himself down,” said David and Lori Safstrom. “Had we not found LOHF, I’m not sure we would be doing this program right now. The finances were such a burden, and LOHF lifted the hurdle for us.”
Another parent (name withheld for privacy) wrote to us, “This is a game changer for me. I have wanted to seek mental health assistance more frequently but have hesitated to do so because of the exorbitant costs. Because of this program, I will now be able to comfortably get support to deal with life’s stressors without having to make the counterproductive choice of taking on additional financial stress to do so. I am absolutely thrilled to have this life altering opportunity”.
The need is staggering. We know that there are thousands more youth and parents in Lancaster County who need mental health support and cannot see a licensed therapist, counselor, psychologist because of financial need. We are grateful to the more than 45 licensed mental health professionals and practices who have agreed to participate in this program with us. They continue billing the patient’s insurance and also invoice us for the balance of the patient’s copay amount.
Demand for this program, as well as our expenses, have increased over 70% in 2021, compared to 2020. We spent $30,000 in 2019, and we will spend over $150,000 in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted young people and families at a staggering rate. We are proud to help parents and young people access the mental health care they so desperately need.
Who is eligible?
Applicants for this program must be under age 26, or the parent of a dependent child under age 26. Household income may not exceed 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. Applicants must be residents of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. If an applicant does not have insurance, they should first call PMHCA (Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers’ Association) at (717) 564-4930 to apply for ACA or Medicaid.
