Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and behavioral health benefits?
EAP is available to all employees and their household members. EAP offers access to no-cost counseling - up to eight (8) visits per issue. You do not need to be enrolled in a Maricopa County medical plan to use these no-cost services. You may elect to use counseling services before starting outpatient treatment.
Behavioral health benefits are available to you as the employee and eligible dependents who are covered under this plan. These benefits are a part of your overall medical plan. Services include:
- Inpatient Care
- Intensive Outpatient Programs
- Partial Day Treatment
- Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment
- Residential Treatment
- Medication Evaluation and Management with a Psychiatrist or Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Outpatient Treatment for individuals, family or groups with Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors, and Licensed Clinical Social Workers
To access these benefits please call Magellan at 1-888-213-5125 (press 1, then press 2).
Who is eligible to use behavioral health benefits?
Behavioral health benefits are available to you as the employee and eligible dependents who are covered under this plan.
If you are eligible for and enrolled in medical coverage under a Maricopa County medical plan, except for the Cigna High Deductible Health Plan and the UnitedHealthcare High Deductible Health Plan, you and your eligible dependents are automatically enrolled Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coverage under this plan which is administered by Magellan Health Services (Magellan). Employees who are married to a Maricopa County employee are not eligible to have behavioral health coverage through the county as both an employee and a dependent. Dependent children are also not eligible for dual enrollment. Enrollees in the Cigna High Deductible Health Plan are covered through a different behavioral health program administered by Cigna Behavioral Health. Enrollees in the United Healthcare High Deductible Health Plan are covered through a different behavioral health program administered by United Behavioral Health.
Is there a cost for these services?
Typically, co-insurance or copayments and/or annual deductible and out-of-pocket costs.
Refer to behavioral health section of Summary Plan Description for plan details.
What should I do when detoxification or rehabilitation services are needed?
When it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, we understand that it’s difficult to manage a situation where you or a loved one need to admit you have a problem and seek help.
If you (or a loved one) have an addiction and want to get sober please give us a call at 1-888-213-5125 (press 1, then press 2) to speak with a clinician for assistance in finding an in-network facility. Using in-network services will reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Detoxification services given prior to and independent of a course of psychotherapy or substance abuse treatment are not considered behavioral health treatment.
What services require pre-authorization?
- Precertification is required for all behavioral health services.
- With the exception of out of network routine Outpatient services.
To obtain confirmation of in and out of network benefits and whether treatment requires pre-authorization, please call 1-888-213-5125 (press 1, then press 2) for assistance. We can also help you find an in-network counselor, psychiatrist or facility.
What is therapy?
A therapist is a licensed mental health professional who helps clients improve their lives, develop better cognitive and emotional skills, reduce symptoms of mental illness and cope with various challenges. Therapy is a time-tested tool that helps people with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, grief, relationship problems, self-exploration, stress, substance abuse, trauma and more.
There are many misconceptions about what it means to talk to a licensed professional and the stigma associated with it is often the reason people don’t seek help in the first place. However, therapy can help people manage issues, develop coping skills and improve their quality of life.
Is there a self-assessment tool to help me identify concerns?
Take a self-assessment to get recommendations. Once you complete the assessment, you may see access codes, so you can start one of several, self-paced online programs. Select programs can also be downloaded as mobile apps.
As part of your suite of services, you may access these self-care online programs for common behavioral health conditions, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic pain, and substance misuse.