For many the decision to enter rehab for drugs and alcohol can be difficult. It comes after years of abuse and difficulty with substances. It happens after a person hits rock bottom and knows they need help. It is a big step, and there are many people that want to help you on the road to recovery. It can also be a challenging time for addicts. They wonder about the treatment options and what is the best choice for them.
There is also concern about paying for rehab. A quick internet search shows big figures for the cost of rehab. Don’t fret. There are numerous avenues to help pay for rehab, including scholarships and health insurance.
Here are three key facts about paying for rehab using your health insurance.
Rehab Care Coverage Is Required
Americans facing addiction to drugs and alcohol got a big help in 2010 when the Affordable Care Act was passed. Also known as Obamacare, the law made sweeping changes to health insurance and many practices. One major change was that insurance providers were required to provide some coverage for substance use disorder treatment.
Health insurance providers such as Aetna and Blue Cross/Blue Shield had to provide substance abuse treatment similar to how they cover medical and surgical procedures. The act required substance abuse care, including alcohol, drugs and opioids.
Insurance Plans Can Vary
But plans can vary widely in what they will cover and for how much. It is best to check with your individual provider to know what they will pay for in rehab from drugs and alcohol. That way, when it comes time for rehab treatment, there are no surprises in the cost or what services can be covered.
Some plans will only cover certain treatments or lengths of stay in rehab. Others offer more flexibility in the type of facility or how long the stay can be. It is important to have the information before choosing a rehab option.
What Does It Cover?
Many health insurance providers will cover different aspects of the rehab process. For example, Blue Cross/Blue Shield will cover different treatments depending on the person’s plan. That includes detox, which is the process of removing drugs from a person’s system. They will also help cover inpatient care, where a person lives at a rehab facility receiving support.
There is also coverage for outpatient care, where a person attends therapy but returns home at the end of the day.
Some insurance providers will also help cover costs, such as sober living houses or telemedicine care for continued treatment after a rehab stay.
Next Steps
If you have a substance abuse disorder, reach out to our staff at Sunflower Recovery Center today. They can help you get a handle on the situation and decide the best course of addiction. It can be the first step to a new you and the start of a lifelong journey of recovery and sobriety.