I agree / acknowledge your point. It is standard in all plans, Thanks be to God!

And yes, by diagnosis, etc, etc, etc, treatment can even be life long.

I'm not saying that treatment cannot last for years or even a lifetime, depending on the "presenting issue," I'm saying that there are indeed limitations and processes by which those limitations can be overcome to some degree.

My original point was to VALUE your time with your therapist for it is truly limited. To think that there is no checks and balances in the system is to deny reality. My "diagnosis" allows 8 visits in a 6 month period - use them or lose them. Need more, the therapist calls again. Either more visits are authorized OR they are denied and then the arguing with the managed care system begins.

I have never, ever, run into anyone who didn't have to have their coverage checked prior to services rendered unless they were self-pay. It's why when you make a first appointment they ask who is your insurance carrier and what's your policy number. It's why you sign a form on your first visit that says you agree to be personally responsible for your co-pays and for uncovered services if any.

A therapist makes a contractual deal with a managed care "third-party payer" to provide X service for Y dollars. That's how they get listed on their roles as providers.

I did miss the part where you mentioned Magellan. You're in luck! They're not the worst! MINE is the worst, but I won't say who they are.

Magellan is the "big fish" in the pond these days, though that is cyclical. For example they had a billion dollar contract in Arizona for the last many years which they recently lost.

If you're on a government program remember, contracts (even in healthcare) usually go to the lowest bidder.

And again, YES! and thank God it is standard. Now let us hope the premiums stay reasonable come November after the insurance company's actuarial staffs have an opportunity to look at the bottom line.