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Department of Mental Health/Mental Retardation/Substance Abuse Services
Fee Information
The services provided by the Loudoun Community Services Board (LCSB) through the Department of Mental Health/Mental Retardation/Substance Abuse Services are supported by many financial sources, including fee payments made by, or on behalf of, the people we serve. These payments are a necessary income source and enable the agency to continue providing services of an acceptable quality. As a government agency, LCSB does not provide services in order to collect fees, but must collect fees in order to ensure the continued availability of services.
Whereas no one is denied services due solely to an inability to pay, expenses not paid by service recipients and/or by third parties are a cost that is borne by state and local revenue sources. In programs primarily funded by Medicaid, the individuals served must meet eligibility requirements for Medicaid or pay the program fees themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
1. Will there be a fee for the services I receive?
Yes. While the Loudoun Community Services Board (LCSB) is an agency of local government, we are required by the Code of Virginia to charge fees. We make every effort to keep our fees affordable. Under no circumstances will we deny emergency services because of an individual's inability to pay.
2. Will my insurance cover the services I receive?
Maybe. Questions about coverage should be directed to your insurance carrier. Most plans have limitations and pre-authorization requirements for mental health and substance abuse services. LCSB will gladly help you access your available benefits.
3. What can be done if I have insurance but cannot afford to pay the co-payments and/or deductible each visit?
LCSB cannot waive billing of co-payments, deductibles, or patient payments to you as mandated by your insurance plan, Medicare, or Medicaid. However, you may be eligible for a reduced fee, based on your gross income and family size.
4. What if I don't have insurance?
Prior to, or at the time of your first appointment, you will have a financial interview. During this interview, you and a member of LCSB's staff will work together to establish a payment plan within your ability to pay.
5. When is my payment due?
Payment is due at time of service. If you have health insurance, we will bill your insurance carrier at the full rate of service. It will be your responsibility to pay any deductible as well as any co-payment. After we receive payment from your insurance carrier, we will bill you for the balance.
6. The court ordered me to receive services. Will the court pay for my care?
Under most circumstances, you are required to pay for services ordered by the court. Counseling services are eligible for financial assistance. Court-ordered forensic evaluations are not.
7. What if I disagree with my bill or my financial situation changes and I can no longer afford to pay what I have agreed to?
Contact our Reimbursement Office, 703-737-8677, immediately with any questions or concerns about your billing. We are here to work with you to assure you can afford our services. We understand situations change and can reevaluate your financial agreement. Individuals may appeal their assessed fee if they believe that they are unable to pay the charges determined, but we do expect individuals to let us know of any difficulties and not simply to ignore the bill.
8. If I have a crisis situation and have a walk-in appointment, will I be charged?
Yes. If you have not had a financial interview and cannot afford the cost of this service, simply contact LCSB. A staff person will obtain your insurance information, determine the extent to which you qualify for financial assistance, and arrange a suitable payment plan. If you are currently using LCSB services and have already completed a financial interview, the existing terms of your financial contract will apply.
9. Will I be charged if I miss an appointment?
If you cancel your appointment at least 24 hours in advance you will not be billed. If you do not give 24 hours notice of cancellation you will be billed a standard $10 fee.
Collection Process for Delinquent Accounts
The Loudoun Community Services Board (LCSB) sends statements to clients each month; payment is expected within 30 days of the statement date. If no payment is received within 30 days of the statement date, the account is considered to be delinquent. Questions regarding your bill should be directed to the Mental Health/Mental Retardation/Substance Abuse Services (MH/MR/SAS) Reimbursement Office at 703-737-8677.
Following is the LCSB collection process for delinquent accounts:
Final Notice
A final notice is sent to the client when the balance is 60 days past due. The final notice explains that under the guidelines of the Virginia Department of Mental Health/Mental Retardation/Substance Abuse Services, if the account is not paid in full, current and future services, except emergency services, will be discontinued and the case closed.
Collection
If no response is made to the final notice, the case will be closed and the account will be turned over to a collection agency and sent to the Virginia Department of Taxation Debt Set-Off Program. If the account is sent to the Debt Set-Off Program, the amount owed may be collected from the client's income tax refund or any lottery winnings the client may receive. All non-emergency services are discontinued.
Clients who have received final notice letters and/or are involved in the collection process should call the Reimbursement Office at 703-737-8677 to discuss these issues.
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