Does Medicare cover a depression screening?
Yes. Medicare covers an annual depression screening, plus a range of outpatient and inpatient mental health services.
Reviewed by Brad S. · Licensed Florida Health Insurance Agent
Updated June 2026. Written and reviewed by a licensed agent at United Liberty Insurance Agency LLC to ensure accuracy. We cite official sources (HealthCare.gov, CMS, KFF) wherever possible.
What you need to know
- One depression screening per year is covered in a primary care setting, typically at no cost to you.
- Medicare also covers outpatient mental health care (therapy, counseling) and, since recent changes, services from licensed counselors and marriage/family therapists.
- Standard cost-sharing applies to ongoing treatment beyond the free annual screening.
The official rule
This coverage is governed by Medicare National Coverage Determination NCD 210.9 — “Screening for Depression in Adults” (last updated Sep 2015). For the official details and any recent changes, see the Medicare coverage tool at Medicare.gov.
What this means for your wallet
Behavioral-health networks vary widely between plans. If mental health care matters to you, we can compare which Florida plans have the providers you need.
Find a Florida plan that covers what you need
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Related coverage questions
Source: CMS Medicare Coverage Database (National Coverage Determinations) and Medicare.gov. Coverage rules can change and may vary by situation; this page is educational and not a guarantee of coverage. For official determinations, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.