Yeah, but it’s a Serious Mental Illness

Part of my benefits selection involves the ritual torture of the insurance company reps.  Yes, I know it’s not their fault directly (don’t shoot the messenger, lefty), but I need to feel I’m getting even somehow.

This particular round went to me, I think.

The benefits sheet with the comparison of Brand A’s plans had a brief overview but not a peep about behavioral (mental) coverage.  Seizing my opportunity, I went over to have a seat with Brand A’s reps.  I was especially interested in this piece because of the recently passed Mental Health Parity Act.

Brand A’s reps launched right into how any coverage would be at the specialist (higher) copay.  No shock there.  Both reps went looking for the limits they knew should be there but weren’t.

While looking, one of them made a remark about serious mental illness.  I asked what serious mental illness was, as opposed to not-so-serious mental illness.  One of the twins spoke as an expert and stated that something like schizophrenia was a serious mental illness.  I asked about depression and was told that depression isn’t serious.

I held back on asking ‘even if the depressed person wants to commit suicide?’ for the time being.

I couldn’t hold back this one though: “What about multiple personality disorder?”

No, that’s not serious either.

(It is in my house.)

Isn’t that like schizophrenia?

No.

Well, anyway, we thought there were limits.

What about the Parity Act?

We have to call the office.  It’s not printed here.

I don’t know… I don’t feel I got my money’s worth of torture.  Maybe I’ll go back and ask them some more questions.  Questions I’ll research thoroughly.

It’s a wonder they didn’t hide under the table when they saw me coming.