Networks change. We verify your specific GEHA plan before your first visit; call with your member ID and we will confirm benefits, copay and any referral or authorization requirements.
Also appears on cards as: Government Employees Health Association, GEHA Elevate, GEHA Elevate Plus, GEHA Standard, GEHA High, GEHA HDHP.
GEHA, the Government Employees Health Association, is a nonprofit association that has covered federal employees, retirees and their families since 1937 and is one of the largest plans in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program and the Postal Service Health Benefits program. GEHA offers Elevate, Elevate Plus, Standard, High and High Deductible Health Plan options, and most of them use the UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus network for medical and behavioral care, which is how our Florida and South Carolina offices can be in network. Federal workers in Jacksonville, Charleston, Columbia and Palm Beach County, including military civilians and Postal employees, typically hold one of these plans. Outpatient psychiatry and medication management are covered for a specialist copay or coinsurance, and no referral is required for mental health.
Telehealth psychiatry is typically covered at the same cost share as an in-person visit when you see an in-network provider and are located in Florida or South Carolina during the appointment. For Deep TMS, GEHA typically requires prior authorization and reviews requests under criteria aligned with UnitedHealthcare's medical policy, which call for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, documented failure of at least two antidepressant trials and a current severity measure. Spravato typically requires prior authorization through GEHA's pharmacy benefit manager, CVS Caremark, or under the medical benefit, with treatment-resistant depression, a concurrent oral antidepressant and REMS-certified administration documented. Approvals usually cover an initial course, with continuation reviewed against documented improvement. Our staff submit and track both authorizations.
What we check before your visit
- Whether your plan is in network at the office you chose and for telehealth
- Your copay or coinsurance for an evaluation and for follow-ups
- Whether a primary-care referral is required (common with HMO plans)
- Prior-authorization criteria for Deep TMS and Spravato, if those are being considered
Frequently asked questions
Is Stedfast Psychiatry in network with GEHA?
Stedfast Psychiatry accepts GEHA plans that use the UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus network at our Florida and South Carolina offices. Network arrangements can differ between GEHA options and change at open season, so confirm by calling the number on your card or asking our front desk to verify eligibility before your first appointment.
What does a psychiatry visit cost with GEHA?
Elevate Plus, Standard and High options typically charge a fixed specialist copay for in-network outpatient mental health visits. Elevate and the High Deductible Health Plan apply the deductible first, then coinsurance. Your GEHA plan brochure lists the mental health office visit cost share for your option, and we can confirm it before you come in.
Does GEHA cover telehealth psychiatry?
Yes. GEHA covers video visits with in-network psychiatric providers at the same cost share as office visits for members located in Florida or South Carolina during the appointment. Telehealth suits evaluations and medication follow-ups. Deep TMS and Spravato must be delivered in person at the offices that provide them.
Does GEHA require prior authorization for Deep TMS or Spravato?
Typically, yes. TMS requests are reviewed against medical necessity criteria for major depressive disorder, including prior antidepressant trials and current symptom scores. Spravato is authorized through GEHA's pharmacy benefit manager or the medical benefit and requires a concurrent oral antidepressant and REMS-certified administration. Our team submits both requests and schedules once approval arrives.