The majority of people living with drug and alcohol addiction do not get the treatment and support they need to overcome the complex roots of their substance abuse. In fact, research suggests that fewer than 1 in 10 people go to rehab for a substance use disorder.
There are several things that may keep someone from seeking addiction treatment when they need it—at the top of the list is not knowing how to pay for treatment. Worries about the financial impact of addiction treatment may keep some people from getting the help they need, resulting in many staying stuck in a destructive cycle of addiction.
Fortunately, insurance often covers some or all of the expenses related to addiction treatment, including drug and alcohol detox programs. This article will explore how to determine if drug and alcohol detox programs are covered by insurance, how to verify the details of your plan, and where to find the help you need during your recovery from addiction.
Reach out to the team at First Step Behavioral Health now to explore our drug and alcohol detox programs.
Are Drug and Alcohol Detox Programs Covered By Insurance?
For many with addiction, drug and alcohol detox programs are essential to keeping people safe during the detox process. During a detox program, participants receive medical and emotional support that allows them to stay safe and comfortable as their bodies rid themselves of drugs or alcohol. Having the help of a medical detox program has been proven to increase a person’s likelihood of getting sober and avoiding relapse.
Many people may wonder if drug and alcohol detox programs are covered by insurance. The answer is yes–in most cases. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires insurance providers to cover mental health and addiction treatment services.
Under the ACA, treatment for a substance use disorder is considered essential health care. Insurance companies are prohibited from denying coverage for this type of treatment. In most cases, insurance companies will be required to cover drug and alcohol detox programs, including medications, residential and outpatient treatment, mental health services, and more.
However, understanding the details of your specific plan is essential. Insurance coverage varies from plan to plan–even plans offered by the same provider. Before starting treatment, verify the details of your insurance plan to determine exactly what programs, providers, and services are covered.
How to Verify Your Insurance
When you need addiction treatment, time is of the essence. Beginning a treatment program quickly can help you reduce your risk of complications and help you get started toward a healthier future.
However, it is essential to understand the details of your insurance plan before starting treatment. You can verify the details of your insurance plan in several ways, including:
- Call the number on the back of your insurance card and speak to a representative about the details of your plan.
- Search for information on your insurance company’s website.
- Ask the insurance specialists at First Step Behavioral Health for assistance in verifying the details of your specific plan.
Because navigating insurance issues can be time-consuming and confusing, many drug and alcohol detox centers have a team dedicated to verifying insurance plans and managing payments. The insurance specialists at First Step Behavioral Health can help you determine what drug and alcohol detox programs are covered and what expenses you may need to pay out-of-pocket.
How Long Will Insurance Cover Detox?
For many with a substance use disorder, drug and alcohol detox programs are a critical first step in addiction recovery. Each person has their own unique needs and challenges during detox and rehab, and tailored treatment is crucial.
Some may wonder how long insurance will cover drug and alcohol detox and may be concerned that they will be required to stop treatment before they are ready. However, insurance companies work closely with doctors and other addiction specialists to determine what services they will cover and for how long.
Insurance companies generally use several criteria to determine how long they will cover drug and alcohol detox programs, including:
- The severity of a person’s addiction
- Their mental health and medical needs
- The level of care and services required
Before starting treatment, each person undergoes an evaluation to determine what level of care and course of treatment would best meet their needs.
Throughout detox and treatment, doctors and other care providers regularly reevaluate patients’ progress and recommend further treatment. Insurance companies then use the information doctors provide to determine how long to maintain coverage during detox.
Insurance plans are also likely to cover other levels of addiction treatment, including both inpatient and outpatient options. People benefit from participating in comprehensive treatment programs after completing drug and alcohol detox programs.
Find Drug and Alcohol Detox
If you or a loved one requires the support of a drug and alcohol detox center, reach out to the team at First Step Behavioral Health to explore our comprehensive programs. Our effective, evidence-based programs can give you the care you deserve so that you can start your recovery journey.
Contact us now to verify the details of your insurance plan, learn about our programs, or schedule an intake evaluation.
