Although most people know that health insurance is essential, they may not be aware that it can also cover the costs of drug and alcohol rehab. For those suffering from addiction, the good news is that most policies cover rehab services. Even if it does not cover all your rehab expenses, having insurance take care of some of them can be a big relief. This can make the process of getting treatment much easier.
If you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol and considering entering rehab, you’re probably wondering if your insurance will cover the cost and if it does, how much it will cover. For instance, does it only cover inpatient care or will it also cover you if you’d prefer to have outpatient treatment? Sadly, there isn’t a simple answer to these types of questions as every insurance policy is different. However, there are some general things to keep in mind that can help you better understand what your insurance will and won’t cover.
Understanding Your Insurance Policy
It is easiest to understand what’s included or excluded from a policy once you understand how the insurance industry works. So, the first thing you need to understand is that since insurance companies are in the business of making money, they’re unlikely to pay for services they don’t consider essential. However, insurers also understand that rehab isn’t just a luxury that you can live without but a necessary investment in your health and well-being. The second thing you need to understand is that the insurance industry is regulated by state and federal laws. That means that they are required to cover certain treatments. For instance, since detoxification is considered a medically necessary service, most policies will cover it.
Also, even if your policy does not explicitly state that it covers rehab that does not mean you’re out of luck. There are provisions in many policies for “experimental” or “investigational” treatments. In other words, your insurance company may be willing to cover a particular treatment if it is proven to be effective. Finally, for one reason or another, if your insurance will not cover you or only partially cover you, there are many other ways to finance rehab, such as using savings, taking out a loan, getting government assistance, or taking out a scholarship from a private organization.
How Health Insurance for Rehab Works
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, health insurance plans must now cover treatment for substance use disorders. However, based on the specific plan, there may still be significant out-of-pocket costs. For instance, compared with other types of medical care, addiction treatment may have a higher deductible, copay, or coinsurance.
Make sure you understand your insurance coverage before entering treatment, so you can prepare for the expenses. And if your insurance does not cover treatment, you may be able to negotiate a sliding scale fee based on your ability to pay.
How to Find Out Exactly What Your Insurance Will Cover
You should read your policy carefully before choosing a rehab facility. Unfortunately, this may not be enough since these policies are rarely written in plain English, often using insurance jargon, complex sentences, and dense paragraphs that only a lawyer could decipher. Consequently, your next step will be to contact your insurance company and ask questions about what your policy will cover. Before you call, have your policy number handy as well as notes about those parts of the policy that you didn’t fully understand.
A customer service representative will go over your policy and coverage levels with you. Once you have this information, begin researching rehab facilities that will accept your type of insurance coverage. Before making your final decision, read reviews and compare prices. All rehab facilities have different payment policies, service prices, and therapeutic processes. In sum, you can make sure that you’re getting the best possible care for your needs by reading your insurance policy, discussing it with your insurer, and finding a rehab that will not only work with your existing policy but provide you with the type of treatment you need.
If you are ready to begin your recovery journey, call us today at 833-846-5669 and we can help you select the right program for you. If your insurance policy does not explicitly state that it covers rehab, don’t give up hope. There may be other options.