Does Medicare cover therapy?

A: Yes. Medicare Part B covers outpatient therapy — you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible, and Medigap or Medicare Advantage plans often cover that share. The big recent change: since January 1, 2024, LMFTs and licensed mental health counselors can bill Medicare,¹ which roughly doubled the kinds of California therapists Medicare patients can see. Psychologists and LCSWs were already covered.

Worked example: Medicare approves ~$100 for a session → your share is ~$20, often $0 with a supplement — versus $150–250 cash.

Do this: ask any prospective therapist one question: "Are you enrolled in Medicare?" Enrollment is the gate — a licensed therapist who hasn't enrolled can't bill it. [[N_MEDICARE]] verified listings accept Medicare → filter the directory.

Source: 1. Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023; NBCC Medicare resources — nbcc.org.