how to check out-of-network benefits

superbills

How to check your out-of-network benefits.

Check your insurance policy

Depending on your insurer, you can often check online or in your booklet. Sometimes it is listed in your Summary of Benefits section, or you can do a search using the search bar on their website for "out-of-network benefits" or "superbill".

Call your insurance provider

This is typically the quickest way to find out, depending on your insurance (and usually best to verify even if you already checked online). You can usually find the number for your insurance provider on the back of your insurance card.

Some questions you could ask include:

Do I have out-of-network benefits for mental healthcare?
Is Dr. Ellie or Eliza* Gordon a provider I can get reimbursed for seeing? (*Eliza is my legal first name)
Is there a deductible for out-of-network benefits, and is it seperate from my in-network benefits? (What is it?)
What is the reimbursement rate for out-of-network visits? Does it change depending on the number of visits?
How do I submit for reimbursement? (This is where "superbills" come in - a special kind of itemized receipt that I can provide you).
How and when will I receive reimbursement? (e.g., via check in the mail, direct deposit?)

Following up

Depending on your insurance, you may or may not have out-of-network benefits. Therapy fees will still be due at the time of the session. If you have out-of-network benefits, follow through on the instructions they give you so you can be reimbursed!