NAMI Releases Report on Navigating Health Insurance Following a Suicide Attempt

Sep 15, 2021

NAMI recently released a report to help individuals and families navigate health insurance after a suicide attempt. As we recognize Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September, we know the aftermath of a suicide attempt can be a challenging, painful and confusing time for both the individual and their family. Deciphering health insurance bills can make this time even more difficult, but there are federal protections in place to ensure that most health insurance plans will pay for medical care resulting from a suicide attempt.

The report, Navigating Health Insurance Following a Suicide Attempt, outlines existing federal legal protections and limitations for coverage of injuries related to a suicide attempt and provides a guide for what can be done if coverage is denied. The report was created in collaboration with researchers from the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy and outlines:

• Federal legal protections which ensure that most health insurance plans will pay for medical care resulting from a suicide attempt
• Limitations for coverage of injuries related to a suicide attempt
• Coverage gaps that may leave people vulnerable to unexpected medical bills

To power NAMI’s advocacy in providing additional protections for people with mental health conditions and in crisis, please consider sharing your story if your plan denied coverage after a suicide attempt or you were met with surprise medical bills related to your hospital care. Your story will help us fight for much-needed consumer protections.