Medicare Coverage for Depression & Anxiety (2026)

What Medicare covers for depression & anxiety

• Annual depression screening: $0 at primary care.
• Therapy: Psychotherapy (individual, group, family) under Part B with licensed psychologists, social workers, and now MFTs and LPCs.
• Psychiatrist visits: Medication management + therapy under Part B.
• Telepsychiatry: Permanent benefit covering audio-only or video sessions from home.
• SSRIs/SNRIs: Sertraline, escitalopram, venlafaxine, etc. — Tier 1 generics on most Part D plans.
• Spravato (esketamine nasal spray): Covered under Part B for treatment-resistant depression at REMS-certified clinics.
• Inpatient psychiatric hospitalization: Up to 190 days lifetime in a free-standing psychiatric hospital under Part A.

Best plan structure for mental health

Original Medicare + Medigap maximizes therapist choice — every credentialed therapist accepting Medicare can treat you, no network restrictions.

Some MA plans include enhanced mental health benefits (more therapy sessions, $0 copays, dedicated mental health navigator). Worth checking specifically — mental health benefits vary widely between MA plans.