PPO does not partially reimburse for psych provider that does not accept insurance. Should I assume these costs also would not count be accepted as counting toward deductible?

I moved for my current job and had to find a new psychiatrist because of frequently changing rules regarding some psych meds. At time when I started this plan, Walgreens and many other pharmacies were not filling certain prescriptions unless the provider was within a certain radius of miles from the pharmacy. And all the providers I looked up on my plan within that radius either were not taking new patients, booked until months out, or did not call back.

Thus, I have been seen by a “cash pay” psychiatrist in my area who simply does not take insurance.

As this provider does still give superbills for patients, I inquired if there was a way for patients to submit claims to potentially get partially reimbursed for these expenses, and was told “no” that my plan did not have benefits for that.

I realize that my plan has an EPO and then I believe it’s called a “Participating” broader network of providers that I think they cover at a reduced rate. And I will call my insurance to field this question directly later today.

But I began to wonder, if not partially reimbursible at time of service, might these bills in any way count toward my deductible for the year? I expect not, but I wondered if that might sometimes be the case with medical insurance plans, maybe even just for future awareness.

submitted by /u/Mysterious_Summer539
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