The New York Times – The New Old Age Blog took note of this change in a recent article aptly titled “Medicare to Cover More Mental Health Costs.” It seems psychological issues are often the most directly felt difficulties in the life and wellbeing of elderly Medicare beneficiaries. With the new change, the long-held gap in coverage between the costs for physical medicine and psychological care has now been closed. Consequently, more elderly beneficiaries will be able to afford the care that is uniquely suited to their own needs and happiness.
Nonetheless, a few sources of disparity between medical and psychological care for the elderly remain, as further noted in the original article.
Does this recent change affect an elderly loved one? If yes, be sure to help them seek appropriate mental healthcare.