Is your SLP in-network or out?

[Anonymous]

So few in-network SLPs! Is this common or does my insurance just especially blow?

We have Anthem/Blue Cross PPO. It seems there are very few SLPs in network (at least, outside of the ones located in the nursing homes), and those that are of course have a long, long wait. So frustrating. I really don't want to contemplate going out of network, so we'd be looking at a 45 min drive each way.

Is this just the way it is? How long did it take you to see a SLP?

[Anonymous]

It is very common for them not to take insurance. Try National Speech - we initially private paid and finally got our insurance to take them. I know they take insurance and have someone who is very nice to help with the billing.

[Anonymous]

We have Blue Cross FEP. It covers 50 speech sessions a year. We pay a $35 copayment each session. We only do one session a week, so it works well. I can only imagine the out-of-pocket cost if we did more. We probably should do more but can't afford it. Sadly though, I've heard the best therapists don't take insurance. Sigh...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have Blue Cross FEP. It covers 50 speech sessions a year. We pay a $35 copayment each session. We only do one session a week, so it works well. I can only imagine the out-of-pocket cost if we did more. We probably should do more but can't afford it. Sadly though, I've heard the best therapists don't take insurance. Sigh...

I'm incredibly impressed that you found someone who takes insurance!

OP, we pay out of pocket then submit for partial reimbursement. Most everyone we know does this.

[Anonymous]

I wrote earlier about FEP Blue. It's 50 covered sessions a year for the mix of ST, OT, and PT. 50 therapy sessions overall, not 50 of each. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't misleading anyone. If you have this insurance, see page 48 of this PDF (the page labeled 48 on the bottom, not actually the 48th page of the PDF).

http://www.fepblue.org/downloads/2013-service-benefit-plan-brochure_100512.pdf

[Anonymous]

OP here. Sigh. We've had so many expenses that we've already met our deductible for the year (high deductible plan, $3000) and the only silver lining is that now the benefits kick in -- but only in network. We'd still pay 100% for any out of network provider -- we wouldn't get partial reimbursement.

[Anonymous]

It is deff. not true that the best therapists don't take insurance. It is certainly easier not to take insurance but has absolutely no correlation with how good a therapist someone is. What would make you say that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have Blue Cross FEP. It covers 50 speech sessions a year. We pay a $35 copayment each session. We only do one session a week, so it works well. I can only imagine the out-of-pocket cost if we did more. We probably should do more but can't afford it. Sadly though, I've heard the best therapists don't take insurance. Sigh...

Can I ask who your SLP is?

[Anonymous]

I have United Healthcare and we had a huge list of in network providers. I'm sorry you're having difficulty finding someone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have United Healthcare and we had a huge list of in network providers. I'm sorry you're having difficulty finding someone.

We also have United Healthcare and have found our list to be pretty limited (specifically, in DC at least, only providers at Children's are covered), but I think they may have expanded their network recently. 20:53, can you tell me where you are located? And where you find your in-network list (online, hard copy directory, or by phone)? It would be a great help!

[Anonymous]

We are out of network. We have Fed BCBS and use Anne Reynolds group ITS in Kensington. We didn't find anyone in network outside of CHildren's.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is deff. not true that the best therapists don't take insurance. It is certainly easier not to take insurance but has absolutely no correlation with how good a therapist someone is. What would make you say that?

I have a child with severe childhood apraxia of speech. I have been seeing speech therapists for FOUR years..multiple times a week. I have to absolutely agree with you. I have been happy with her therapist who takes our insurance, the therapist who doesn't take our insurance, and the free speech therapy we get through Early Stages in DC. The therapist who doesn't take insurance doesn't want the hassle of dealing with insurance. It has nothing to do with her effectiveness as a SLP.

My heart goes out to the SLP who DO want to deal with the hassle of insurance because these wonderful souls want to help children who have parents with finite resources!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have United Healthcare and we had a huge list of in network providers. I'm sorry you're having difficulty finding someone.

We also have United Healthcare and have found our list to be pretty limited (specifically, in DC at least, only providers at Children's are covered), but I think they may have expanded their network recently. 20:53, can you tell me where you are located? And where you find your in-network list (online, hard copy directory, or by phone)? It would be a great help!

I found the providers in the online directory. My geographic area was DC and MoCo.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, 22:03!

[Anonymous]

We have Aetna and the only in network SLPs are at Children's and Georgetown. Both have wait lists of 6/12/18 months. We ended up using a private SLP and getting Aetna to pay for it since it was medically necessary and we had no access to in network providers due to the wait time. This was not, I repeat, not easy and I wouldn't wish it on anyone but thankfully it was covered less a $35 copay for 2+ years until he was discharged.