Alcohol Rehab Insurance: How it Works

Overcoming alcohol addiction is a challenging and often daunting journey, but you don't have to face it alone. Treatment facilities and support systems are readily available to help individuals recover and rebuild their lives. One of the primary concerns for many seeking help is the cost of rehab. Too many people put off getting the crucial help they need due to the uncertainties around the finances of aid. By providing you with information on insurance, how it works, and how to utilize it to make your recovery more accessible and affordable, you’ll be better informed on your options and rights. Treatment shouldn’t have to wait. 

Understanding Insurance and Rehab

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 is a federal law that aims to prevent health insurance providers from applying more restrictive benefits to mental health and substance use disorder treatments, including residential rehab when compared to other medical services. This law ensures that if your health insurance plan covers medical and surgical procedures, it must provide coverage for mental health and substance abuse treatment as well. 

Most health insurance plans, including employer-sponsored insurance, individual plans, and state-based marketplace plans, cover some level of treatment for alcoholism and other substance addictions. However, the extent of coverage varies based on the type of treatment required and the specific insurance plan.

Types of Alcohol Rehab Covered by Insurance

• Detoxification (Detox): The process of safely managing withdrawal symptoms as the body clears itself of alcohol. This is often the first step in the recovery process.
• Inpatient/Residential Treatment: Intensive treatment provided in a structured residential setting, which can include individual and group therapy, educational sessions, and support groups. Traditional inpatient programs last for thirty days. There are also long-term programs that are six months to a year. These extended care facilities are not typically covered by insurance. 
• Outpatient Treatment: Less intensive treatment that allows individuals to continue living at home while attending therapy sessions and support groups during the week. Most 1-1 sessions with a therapist fall under the “outpatient treatment” banner
• Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs): A step-down level of care from inpatient treatment, offering more intensive support than outpatient services while still allowing patients to live at home.
• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs): Another step-down option that provides more intensive support than traditional outpatient treatment. These groups generally meet 3-5 times per week for 5-8 hours a session. 
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): The use of medications in combination with therapy and support groups to help manage cravings and other symptoms related to substance abuse.
• Aftercare/Continuing Care: Ongoing support and services provided after completing a formal treatment program to help maintain sobriety and prevent relapse. 

How to Find Out What Your Insurance Covers

• Review your insurance policy: Check your insurance documents, such as your Summary of Benefits and Coverage, to determine what rehab services are covered.
• Contact your insurance provider: Call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card and ask about your coverage for alcohol treatment. Be sure to ask about any limits, copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums that may apply. Also be sure to ask if they have a list of approved facilities. 
• Contact treatment facilities: Reach out to alcohol rehab centers that interest you and ask if they accept your insurance. They can also help verify your coverage and provide additional information about the treatment process. This is a normal part of the process at every treatment facility and does not constitute an agreement to enter into treatment. Treatment facilities will happily help you figure out your insurance situation and refer you to a facility better suited to treat you if they aren’t the best fit. 

Government Resources

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a webpage dedicated to mental health and substance use disorder coverage, including information on the Parity Act, your rights under the Affordable Care Act, where to find treatment and how to appeal a denied claim. 
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a free, confidential helpline (1-800-662-HELP) that can connect you with treatment facilities, support groups, and other resources in your area. They also have an online treatment services locator that can help you find rehab centers that accept your insurance. 

Next Steps

Alcohol rehab insurance plays a crucial role in making addiction treatment more accessible and affordable for those in need. Understanding your coverage, knowing your rights, and utilizing government resources can help you make the best decisions for your recovery journey. Remember that you don't have to face this challenging time alone – support and information is available here.