Insurance & billing

How we handle the paperwork.

We work with most major commercial insurance plans, so most patients pay only their plan's copay or coinsurance for behavioral health care.

In-network plans

The list below reflects our typical commercial in-network roster. Network participation can vary by state and by plan tier — please verify your specific plan when scheduling.

  • Cigna
  • Magellan Health
  • Evernorth Behavioral Health
  • UnitedHealthcare / Optum Behavioral Health
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (state plans)
  • Tricare (regional)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (regional plans)

This list is updated as plans are added or retired. Please confirm coverage when you schedule.

What you'll typically pay

  • In-network visits: your plan's behavioral-health copay or coinsurance.
  • Out-of-network: we can provide a superbill for self-submission for partial reimbursement (where your plan permits).
  • Self-pay: flat fees published on request. Most patients with insurance pay less than self-pay.

No surprises

Under the federal No Surprises Act (2022), uninsured and self-pay patients are entitled to a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges before care begins. We provide one on request and at scheduling for any self-pay patient.

Billing questions

Does Chesapeake Clinical Services accept insurance, and how do I find out whether my specific plan is in-network?
The practice participates with a defined panel of commercial and government insurance plans. Because in-network status can vary by plan tier and product type even within a single insurer, the most reliable step is to call the member services number on your insurance card and ask specifically whether our practice and the treating clinician are contracted providers under your benefit plan. Our billing staff can also verify benefits on your behalf before your first appointment.
If my psychiatrist recommends a medication that requires prior authorization, how is that handled?
Prior authorization requests are initiated by our clinical team and submitted with the supporting documentation your insurer requires. We track the status of pending authorizations and follow up directly with the insurer when a decision is delayed. If an authorization is denied, we will review the appeal process and clinical options with you, including whether a formulary alternative is clinically appropriate.
Can I use a superbill to seek reimbursement from an out-of-network plan?
Yes. If your insurance plan includes out-of-network mental health benefits, we provide an itemized superbill containing the information most plans require for member-submitted reimbursement claims: diagnosis codes, procedure codes, dates of service, and provider credentials. Reimbursement rates and processes vary significantly by plan, so we recommend confirming your out-of-network benefit details directly with your insurer before your first appointment.
Are HSA or FSA funds accepted for copays and out-of-pocket costs?
Outpatient psychiatric and psychotherapy services qualify as eligible medical expenses under most Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account plans. You may use your HSA or FSA card to cover copays, coinsurance, and any out-of-pocket session fees, subject to your account's terms.
What happens to my coverage and billing if my insurance changes during an active course of treatment?
Notify our billing office as soon as you become aware of a plan change. We will verify whether your new plan includes this practice as an in-network provider and communicate any change in estimated cost-sharing before your next appointment. Continuity of care is a priority here, and we will work with you to understand your options if a coverage transition creates a gap.
Am I entitled to a good-faith cost estimate before starting care?
Under the federal No Surprises Act, uninsured and self-pay patients have the right to a good-faith estimate of expected charges before scheduled services. We provide that estimate in writing upon request and before the first appointment. Patients using insurance receive an explanation of estimated cost-sharing based on verified benefit information, though final amounts may differ once the claim is adjudicated by the insurer.

Coverage questions? We will check for you.

Tell us your plan when you reach out — we will verify benefits before your first visit.

Verify my coverage