Drug abuse is a major problem in numerous states in America. Once addicted, it takes medical treatment and substantial care to recover properly from substance use disorder. While the problem may be self-inflicted, the cost of recovery is not cheap and easy. If you or a friend is currently suffering from a substance addiction that you would like to break out of, you may be wondering how you can afford a quality Drug Rehab Program? In this article, we will discuss how health insurance works for addiction recovery so that you can afford it. Click here to learn more about Medicare Nationwide
Types of Health Insurance Providers
To better understand how you can make your treatment more affordable, we have to explore the type of health insurance providers available for Americans to access health insurance. Most Americans tend to receive their health insurance through an employer-sponsorship program while another segment obtains health insurance from private insurers or two federal government health insurance programs namely Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare is for people aged 65 and older as well as some young people with disabilities. Medicaid covers low-income Americans and that adds up to about 80 million people.
To help you compare before purchasing health insurance, you should visit the ACA marketplace and do some homework to get better coverage with lower premiums. Despite the wide variety of choices, most plans do cover some alcohol and drug abuse treatment. There are a number of rehabs that accept Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance policies.
You will be happy to know that Medicare and Medicaid both cover treatment at some rehab centres too. If you have health insurance, you are almost sure to have partial coverage for a drug rehab program. You should also note that insurance companies today no longer deny coverage for pre-existing conditions. This includes substance abuse and dual diagnosis disorders.
There are also rehabs that accept Cigna insurance coverage as well as US rehabs that accept UnitedHealthcare insurance.
The Cost of Drug and Alcohol Rehab
Contrary to common beliefs, rehab centres are not all expensive and prices for treatment differ substantially across the country. There are a number of factors that influence the cost of treatment centres and one of them is the availability of insurance.
The difference in insurance coverage and their partnership and arrangement with different rehab and treatment centres meant that the programme or facilities you are interested in may not always be covered by your existing insurance. Before you sign on the dotted lines for your treatment, check-in details with them to ensure they accept your existing health insurance. Most of the rehab centres and treatment facilities make it easy to verify your insurance with them.
Even when they do accept your insurance, you may also need to check in with your insurance provider to see how much coverage your specific plan provides. Each health insurance provider offers different coverage hence you need to know the costs that can be absorbed by your plans to manage your finances. For example, health maintenance organization plans (HMOs) usually offer lesser rehab centre choices as they require you to visit a facility in their network while preferred provider organization plans (PPOs) offer greater options given that you do not need to be restricted within a network.
If you have your own personal access, you can log into your health insurance provider’s online portal or contact their customer service to check your specific coverage. A representative should be able to assist you with the information.
Another major factor in the cost of rehab facilities is the type of treatment required. Most insurance providers should provide at least partial coverage of these treatments.
Rehabilitation Services To Choose From
Drug and alcohol treatment centres provide both inpatient (residential) and outpatient programs. It is likely that you will be expected to stay in the rehab centre during your programme. Inpatient treatment programs offer healthcare services such as:
- Detox
- Therapy
- Counseling
- Extra medical care
- Aftercare planning
Some inpatient treatment centres are located in a hospital while others are standalone and offer a more residential setting.
Outpatient programs, like partial-hospitalization programs, are high intensity. This means they meet five days a week from morning until evening. That doesn’t leave time for work or school. If you are undergoing outpatient treatment, you have a choice not to live at the facility. You will get to leave after treatment and fulfil some sense of everyday life. Your healthcare provider and doctor will help you decide which type of treatment is best for you.
Detoxification is one of the treatments that are available for both inpatient and outpatient treatments. Through the treatment, your body gets rid of any remaining substances in its system and is usually easier for the patient when conducted through an inpatient program. Your facility should be able to provide safety and medical monitoring to ensure your health through withdrawal.
Psychotherapy is another option for patients who are struggling with addiction. A therapist can open them up to discuss their underlying issues and offer coping skills to deal with the urges of addiction.
Options for the Uninsured
You should be aware that health insurance companies cannot deny you coverage because of abuse and addiction. If you are exploring treatment, do consider applying for coverage first to help offset the costs. Paying out of pocket for any healthcare treatment will burn a hole in your pocket.
If you are unable to afford health insurance, approach your employer or the treatment centre. Your employer may be willing to assist in payment for coverage, especially if your addiction is negatively affecting your work. In addition, most treatment centres also provide flexible payment plans for patients who cannot afford to pay upfront.
Visit A Alcohol Rehabilitation Center
Thanks to the ACA, nearly all Americans with health insurance are able to seek the necessary drug and alcohol rehab treatment with adequate coverage. You are well taken care of, just need to know and understand your level of coverage for treatment before securing your treatment and facilities.
There is never the best time to recover from substance abuse and you should seek help as soon as possible. Reach out to your nearest rehab centres, they should be able to provide the care and treatment you need to start your road to recovery.
