{FAQ} What are the payment options?
by • April 13, 2016 • FAQ • 0 Comments
This post is part of an ongoing series to answer questions that come up often in conversations with prospective or current clients, referral agencies, and community members. If you have a question you would like us to address, please leave a comment below or send us an email.
One of the most common questions we get asked is: “Who pays for music therapy?” More specifically, families and agencies are wanting to know what payment options are available. We work diligently to run an efficient practice and keep our prices fair while also being mindful to not undervalue music therapy services.
Private Pay/ Out of Pocket
When possible, paying “out of pocket” tends to be the best way to pay for music therapy services. In our practice, paying out of pocket can occur in a few different ways.
- Pay your invoice within 30 days of receipt. Our practice bills at the beginning of the month for services that occurred in the previous month.
- Pay at the time of service. Our practice accepts cash, checks, and all major credit cards.
- Pay with card on file. Our practice keeps a credit card on file for all clients. Typically this is only used to bill unexcused missed sessions or settle delinquent accounts. However, some families elect to review their monthly invoice and then contact us to charge their card on file.
Paying out of pocket allows our clients to maintain as much control over the process as possible by not having to work within the parameters of insurance companies or funding agencies who are often disconnected from what is truly best for the client.
Insurance
While our practice does not bill insurance directly, we are happy to provide a “superbill” upon request which our families can then use to apply for insurance reimbursement. A superbill can be provided once payment for those dates of services has been rendered.
Flexible and health savings plans can be used to pay for music therapy services.
LISS Funding
We accept LISS funding and, with enough notice, can provide all necessary supporting documents to assist families in securing LISS funding for music therapy services. More details on LISS funding are available here: http://dda.dhmh.maryland.gov/Pages/liss.aspx
Our local LISS provider: http://www.penn-mar.org/liss/
Grants
Many of our families have successfully secured grants to assist in funding music therapy services. Below are links to agencies who have funded or may fund music therapy services. Please be aware that most grants have application deadlines that may only be open once per year.
Monocacy Foundation http://communitylivinginc.org/about-us/monocacy-foundation/ Application typically opens in August.
RISE for Autism http://www.riseforautism.com/grants.html Application typically opens in May.
The Angel Fund http://www.theangelfund.net/Grant-Applications.html
Community Foundation of Frederick County https://www.frederickcountygives.org/Grants-Scholarships/Scholarships
Different Needz Foundation http://www.differentneedzfoundation.org/grants/
National Autism Association’s Helping Hand Program http://nationalautismassociation.org/family-support/programs/helping-hand/
ACT! Today http://www.act-today.org/act-today-grant-program.php
The payment options listed above are not an exhaustive list. If you have suggestions of funding resources that should be added to our list, we would love for you to share them! If you have questions about your particular payment and funding options, please reach out to us to schedule a phone consultation today. Our goal is to make music therapy accessible for all who need our services.
