In 2010, Congress passed the Affordable Care Act, which expanded insurance coverage and created tax credits to make health insurance policies more affordable for low-income and middle-class Americans. With the ACA in effect, insurance companies are now required to provide coverage for drug rehab programs and mental health treatment options, which is good news for anyone considering outpatient or inpatient rehab for substance abuse or alcohol addiction. So, does insurance cover the cost of rehab? Treatment coverage varies by health insurance plans, but many plans now cover the following treatment services.
Inpatient Drug Rehab
When people ask “Does insurance cover rehab costs?” they’re usually wondering if their health insurance covers an inpatient treatment program. Residential drug treatment is ideal for people with severe addictions, as well as people who don’t have an adequate support system at home. In a residential substance abuse treatment program, you’ll receive the support and encouragement you need to discover the underlying causes of your addiction and get started on the path to recovery. Inpatient programs are highly structured to ensure you spend most of your time working on your physical and mental well-being.
Outpatient Drug Rehab
If you can’t take time away from your work or family obligations long enough to attend an inpatient rehabilitation program, outpatient rehab is an excellent alternative. Our outpatient programs in NJ are well-suited for people with strong family support systems as it allows you to receive daily addiction treatment and then return to your home each evening. You may even be able to receive outpatient treatment around your work or school schedule.
Your health insurance may cover a day program or an intensive outpatient program, both of which can help you uncover the root causes of your addiction and learn how to overcome life’s challenges without drinking or using drugs. A day program involves attending daily meetings for five to seven days per week at a rehab center. These meetings may last for several hours and include individual therapy, group therapy, meditation and other therapies designed to help you address your addiction and your overall mental health.
Intensive outpatient treatment involves attending frequent meetings at the beginning of the program and reducing your attendance as you gain control of your addiction. Once you set your treatment goals, you’ll participate in a variety of therapies to help you avoid relapse and learn how to respond to your addiction triggers. These therapies may include group therapy, individual therapy, music therapy and art therapy.
Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders
If you have a substance abuse and behavioral health disorder, you have what’s known as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnoses. Research shows that having a mental illness increases the risk for addiction, which means it’s important to treat both disorders at the same time. You may need medication or therapy for your mental illness and inpatient or outpatient treatment facility for your addiction.
For people with co-occurring disorders, drug and alcohol rehab centers typically offer an integrated approach, which involves treating the disorders together instead of receiving treatment from a separate set of professionals. Insurance may cover medications, therapy sessions and other elements of your treatment for co-occurring disorders.
Medication Assisted Treatment
One of the reasons it’s so difficult to recover from an addiction without professional help is because the withdrawal period can cause serious physical and psychological symptoms. When you stop using alcohol or drugs, you may experience nausea, vomiting, shaking, chills or other symptoms that make it difficult to abstain from substance use.
Medication assisted treatment is a safer option, as it involves treatment at a rehab facility staffed by experienced professionals who can help you detox from drugs or alcohol in a supervised environment. At a drug treatment center, you may receive medications to lessen the severity of your symptoms and make you more comfortable while you complete the withdrawal process.
Follow-Up Care
Once you complete the initial rehab process, your health insurance company may also cover follow-up care to ensure you continue to abstain from alcohol and drugs. Follow-up care may include ongoing therapy sessions or continuing care at a treatment provider. Continuing care is important because it can help you avoid relapse and learn how to better manage stress without turning to alcohol or drugs.
Does insurance cover rehab? It’s important to note that, traditionally, insurance doesn’t cover the rent at a sober living home. There is usually a private pay rental fee that can vary from agency to agency. In an outpatient treatment setting, you may be responsible for your rent outside of your treatment in an affiliated facility.
Regardless of your coverage, the compassionate staff members at Recovery at the Crossroads are standing by to answer your questions and get you or your loved one started on the road to recovery. Contact our NJ drug rehab today at 888-342-3881 for help overcoming your addiction.
