Light-box therapy is a widely accepted treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. However, the treatment is not covered for the nearly 40 million Americans who rely on Medicare for health-care coverage as of 2009.

SAD

SAD is characterized by depression caused by variations of sunlight throughout the year. A hormone called melatonin is produced in darkened conditions---such as the gloomy winter months---and is related to the disorder. Serotonin, a chemical in the brain that alters mood, also might cause SAD.

Light Therapy

To reduce the body's production of melatonin, SAD patients sit in front of a light-therapy box for several hours. The treatment, also known as phototherapy, does not interfere with everyday activities.

Medicare

Although Medicare does not pay for light therapy for SAD patients, it will pay for depression medication, according to Natalie Rivera at 1-800-Medicare. Consult your physician about which Medicare-covered anti-depressants will effectively work for you.

Options

Even though light therapy is not covered by Medicare, SAD patients should spend more time outdoors or near windows during the winter months. Additionally, many companies that sell light-therapy boxes offer payment plans.

Controversy

In April 2003, Dr. Kanofsky and his colleagues challenged Medicaid's refusal to pay for light therapy in The American Journal of Psychiatry. Medicaid approves payment that could amount to $200 per month for anti-depressants that "provide an inferior treatment." Yet a one-time payment of $200 could provide a patient with "a universally accepted preferred treatment," which has a history of superior results with seasonal depression.

Source:

Medicaid Reimbursement for Light Therapy -- KANOFSKY et al. 160 (4): 796 -- Am J Psychiatry

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) -- MayoClinic.com

Medicare.gov -- Medicare Eligibility Tool (Eligibility Questions)

Resource:

The Sunbox Company, which offers payment plans on light boxes

Britebox, which offers payment plans on light boxes

Medicare and Your Mental Health Benefits