If Medicare covers the service — no preauthorization required.
Postal
Mental Health & Substance Use Support – High Option Plan
The NALC Health Benefit Plan and OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions provide personalized mental health support for postal members enrolled in the High Option Plan. From immediate crisis help to ongoing counseling and substance use recovery programs, care is always just a call away.
Immediate Mental Health and Substance Use Support for Postal Members in the High Option Plan
Optum® connects you directly to licensed, confidential care tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re seeking urgent counseling, emotional support, or long-term treatment, help is available 24/7.
|
In-Network Clinicians |
Telemental Health Providers |
In-Network Facilities |
Locations Nationwide |
|---|---|---|---|
|
526,977 |
240,348 |
5,492 |
10,200 |
Find Your Mental Health Provider
Get immediate assistance:
- Call Optum at 877-468-1016 – available 24/7 to match you with an in-network provider.
- Private and confidential services designed for postal members and their families.
Your PSHB High Option Mental Health & Substance Use Benefits
The High Option Plan offers a wide range of mental health support for postal members, including professional therapy, inpatient care, and substance use treatment.
|
BENEFIT DESCRIPTION |
YOU PAY (IN-NETWORK) |
YOU PAY (OUT-OF-NETWORK) |
|---|---|---|
|
Outpatient Therapy & Medication Management |
$25 copay (No deductible) |
35% + any difference between our Plan allowance and the billed amount |
|
Virtual (Telemental) Visits |
$10 copay (No deductible) |
35% + any difference between our Plan allowance and the billed amount |
|
Postpartum Depression (first 4 visits at 100%) |
Nothing (No deductible) |
35% + any difference between our Plan allowance and the billed amount |
|
Additional Visits for Postpartum Depression |
$25 copay (no deductible) |
35% + any difference between our Plan allowance and the billed amount |
|
Inpatient Professional Services |
15% of Plan allowance |
35% + any difference between our Plan allowance and the billed amount |
|
BENEFIT DESCRIPTION |
YOU PAY (IN-NETWORK) |
YOU PAY (OUT-OF-NETWORK) |
|---|---|---|
|
Urine Drug Testing (limitations apply: 16 definitive, 32 presumptive/year) |
15% of Plan allowance |
35% + any difference between our Plan allowance and the billed amount |
|
BENEFIT DESCRIPTION |
YOU PAY (IN-NETWORK) |
YOU PAY (OUT-OF-NETWORK) |
|---|---|---|
|
Residential Treatment Center (RTC) |
$350 copay/admission (No deductible) |
35% + any difference between our Plan allowance and the billed amount (No deductible) |
|
Partial Hospitalization & Intensive Outpatient Treatment |
15% of Plan allowance |
35% + any difference between our Plan allowance and the billed amount |
|
Outpatient Observation Room & Related Services |
$350 copay (No deductible) |
35% + any difference between our Plan allowance and the billed amount |
|
Inpatient Hospital |
$350 copay/admission (no deductible) |
$450 copay + 35% + any difference between our Plan allowance and the billed amount (no deductible) |
Note: Precertification is required for RTC stays, Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient Treatment and Inpatient Admissions. Failure to precertify results in denial of charges and a $500 penalty.
|
BENEFIT DESCRIPTION |
YOU PAY (IN-NETWORK) |
YOU PAY (OUT-OF-NETWORK) |
|---|---|---|
|
Professional Ground/Air Ambulance Service |
15% of Plan allowance (No deductible) |
35% + any difference between our Plan allowance and the billed amount (No deductible) |
Note: Prior approval is required for all non-emergency air ambulance transport.
Medicare Coordination for Mental Health and Substance Use Services
If Medicare is your primary payor and is not covering the service. Preauthorize by calling: 877-468-1016)
If Medicare does not cover the service, or you’ve exhausted Medicare hospital days — preauthorization may be required.
Medication and Treatment Support for Postal Members
Your High Option Plan includes:
Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) for substance use disorders
Assistance finding treatment centers and providers for Medication-Assisted Therapy
Need help now? Call Optum’s Substance Use Disorder Helpline at 855-780-5955.
Preauthorization for Services in the High Option Plan
OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions manages all mental health and substance use support for members in the High Option plan.
If NALC is your primary payor:
- Call 877-468-1016 for preauthorization before starting certain treatments.
- Written confirmation will be provided for approved services.
Preauthorization is required for:
-
Inpatient Hospital Admissions
-
Residential Treatment Centers (RTC)
-
Intensive Outpatient Programs
-
Partial Hospitalization
-
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
-
Psychological Testing
Failure to precertify inpatient stays results in a $500 penalty.
If Medicare is your primary payor:
- Preauthorization is only needed Medicare doesn’t cover the service or your hospital benefits are exhausted.
Claims & Billing
- In-Network Providers
- Out-of-Network Providers
Send claims to:
Optum Behavioral Solutions P.O. Box 30755
Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0755
Claims questions? Call 855-511-1893
Wellness Programs for Mental Health Support
The High Option Plan gives members access to programs that promote ongoing mental and emotional well-being:
-
24-Hour Mental Health Hotline: Call 877-468-1016 for immediate help.
-
Behavioral Health Coaching Program (Bend Health): Live video support for children and families facing behavioral challenges. Enroll at bendhealth.com/nalchbp
-
Solutions for Caregivers: Six hours of personalized support per year for caregivers of elderly or disabled loved ones. Call 866-463-5337 or visit www.uhc.com/caregiving
-
Live video-based support: Tools, education, and videos for mental wellness. Visit www.liveandworkwell.com
Needing Additional Help or Immediate Support
-
Mental Health Support (Optum): 877-468-1016 | www.liveandworkwell.com
-
Substance Use Disorder Helpline: 877-468-1016
FAQs About Mental Health Support for Postal Members
You can search in-network providers through Optum Behavioral Health at liveandworkwell.com or Call Optum at 800-865-9379 for help finding care near you.
Yes, some services—like inpatient or residential treatment, psychological testing, and TMS therapy—require preauthorization from Optum before starting care.
Yes. Services for substance use disorder, including inpatient and outpatient care, are covered. Call 855-780-5955 for 24/7 confidential help.
You may be responsible for a $500 penalty, and your claim could be denied. Always confirm preauthorization requirements before scheduling inpatient care.
Yes. Emergency or crisis stabilization is always covered. You can call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you are in immediate danger or crisis.