July 14, 2022

Does Insurance Cover Drug Rehab? A Comprehensive Guide

Does insurance cover drug rehab? In this guide, we break down key terms, show you what your insurance covers, and so much more.

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Insurance Coverage for Residential Substance Abuse Treatment

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Susana Spiegel

Recovery Writer and Advocate

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Last Update on October 22, 2024

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RECOVERY WRITER & ADVOCATE

Susana is a dedicated mental health writer and advocate with over 8 years of experience in the field. She is passionate about sharing accurate and helpful information about mental health, addiction, and recovery. Susana holds a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Studies from Grand Canyon University and has over 7 years of professional experience working in the addiction recovery field. Her commitment to promoting mental health awareness and providing support to those in need is at the core of her work.

Some studies estimate that 90% of those who need substance abuse treatment do not receive it because of how expensive it can be.1

This is where understanding the question “Does insurance cover drug rehab?” comes into play.

Having health insurance can be a true lifesaver, helping to relieve the financial burden and making it possible to get the care you need without putting yourself in a tough financial spot.

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Key Points

Does Health Insurance Cover Drug Rehab?

Health insurance does cover drug rehab as part of the benefits mandated by the Affordable Care Act.2

However, the level of coverage can vary depending on your insurer and your specific plan.

Understanding your insurance coverage can make a huge difference when it comes to accessing the care you need.

Take some time to review the details of your policy or reach out to your insurance provider.

Knowing exactly what’s covered—whether it’s detox, inpatient or outpatient programs, or aftercare—can help you avoid surprises and focus on getting better without the stress of financial uncertainty.

What is Drug Rehab?

Drug rehab, or rehabilitation, is a program designed to help people overcome addiction and rebuild their lives.

It’s more than just stopping substance use—it’s about addressing the underlying causes of addiction and learning new ways to cope without relying on drugs.

Rehab can take place in a residential setting, where you stay at a treatment center, or as an outpatient program, where you get support while continuing to live at home.

Most programs combine medical detox, therapy, and counseling to help with both the physical and emotional sides of addiction.

The ultimate goal of drug rehab is to give people the tools they need to achieve long-term sobriety and live healthier, happier lives.

Programs are designed to meet each person’s unique needs, often including support for mental health challenges or trauma that may have played a role in the addiction.

Does Health Insurance Cover Alcohol Rehab?

Just like with drug rehab, health insurance generally covers alcohol rehab under the Affordable Care Act’s essential health benefits.

However, the exact coverage can vary depending on your insurance provider and plan, so it’s important to know the details of what’s included.

Many rehab programs treat alcohol and drug addiction similarly, so things like detox, inpatient or outpatient care, and counseling are usually covered the same way.

But it’s still a good idea to check your specific plan to understand what’s covered, including any limits on how long treatment can last or what services are available.

Additionally, insurance often covers treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders like anxiety or depression, which are common alongside addiction.

This holistic approach can be key to long-term recovery.

Be sure to reach out to your insurance provider to clarify your rehab insurance coverage and get a clearer picture of what’s available for alcohol rehab.

What is Alcohol Rehab?

Alcohol rehab is designed to help people overcome addiction and rebuild their lives.

Like drug rehab, it offers both inpatient and outpatient programs.

Inpatient rehab provides a safe, structured environment at a facility, while outpatient care lets you get help while still living at home.

The journey often starts with detox, where medical professionals support you through withdrawal.

After that, just like in drug rehab, therapy becomes a central part of the process.

This includes individual counseling, group therapy, and sometimes family support to address the deeper issues behind addiction.

Long-term recovery is supported with aftercare planning and ongoing resources to help you stay on track.

It’s also helpful to know how rehab insurance can ease the cost of treatment.

Most plans cover many aspects of rehab, but it’s important to check your policy to understand what’s available.

Is There a Difference Between Drug and Alcohol Rehab?

Drug and alcohol rehabs are quite similar in structure—they both offer detox, therapy, and aftercare support.

However, the approach may vary slightly depending on whether someone is dealing with alcohol or drug addiction.

Certain treatments or medications might be tailored to the specific substance, ensuring the care fits the individual’s needs.

Both types of rehab also address co-occurring disorders, which are mental health conditions like anxiety or depression that often come hand-in-hand with addiction.

By treating both the addiction and these underlying mental health challenges, rehab provides a more holistic and lasting path to recovery.

Other Types of Addiction Rehabs Covered by Insurance

When it comes to addiction rehab, insurance typically covers several types of treatment programs.

Each option varies based on the level of care and individual needs.

Below are some of the common types of rehab insurance companies cover:

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab is designed for those who need more hands-on support and round-the-clock care during their recovery from drug or alcohol addiction.

It’s especially helpful for people who are dealing with co-occurring disorders, like PTSD or depression, where addiction and mental health issues often feed into each other.

In this setting, individuals get the focused attention and care they need to address both their addiction and any underlying mental health challenges, giving them a better chance at long-term recovery.

Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient rehab gives people the flexibility to get the treatment they need while still living at home.

Instead of staying at a facility, you visit for a set number of hours each week to receive care, which might include therapy, counseling, or other support.

This option is great for those who need to balance their recovery with work, family, or other responsibilities while still getting the help they need to stay on track.

Partial Hospitalization Rehab (PHP)

Partial hospitalization rehab is a blend of inpatient and outpatient care, offering a flexible yet structured treatment option.

You might spend up to 12 hours a week at the facility for group therapy, but you get to go home at the end of the day.

It’s a great option for people who need more support than outpatient care but don’t require 24/7 supervision.

The intensity of the program can vary, with some needing as few as 9 hours of therapy each week, while others may need up to 20 hours, depending on individual needs.

One-on-One Therapist Sessions

Rehab can be a tough journey, and having someone to talk to can make all the difference—especially if you don’t have a strong support system of family or friends.

One-on-one therapist sessions give you a safe, confidential space to share how you’re feeling, talk through your fears, and reflect on your progress.

These personal sessions can provide the emotional support you need, helping to reduce the risk of relapse by giving you someone to lean on when things get hard.

Equine Therapy and Other Alternative Approaches

Equine therapy is a unique and alternative approach to drug and alcohol rehabilitation that goes beyond just working with horses.

While horses are often a key part of this therapy, other animals like dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even llamas can also play a big role in helping people heal.

Spending time with these animals offers comfort and companionship, providing a calming presence during the recovery process.

It’s a therapeutic way for patients to connect, reduce stress, and support their emotional well-being as they work towards sobriety.

Other Types of Rehab Care

When it comes to addiction recovery, health insurance often covers more than just traditional rehab programs.

There are a variety of services available to make the journey easier and more personalized, including:

  • Detox services to help you safely navigate withdrawal.
  • Ongoing support for managing withdrawal symptoms.
  • At-home visits from the rehab center for added care and convenience.
  • Medications to help with mental health conditions that may come alongside addiction.
  • Regular substance abuse testing to track your progress.
  • Intervention services that are customized to fit your specific treatment needs.
  • Contingency management, offering rewards to keep you motivated in your recovery.
  • Other alternative therapies like holistic or experiential healing methods.

 

These additional services offer a more well-rounded approach to recovery, ensuring you get the support you need to stay on track for the long term.

Verify Your Insurance Coverage Before Starting Rehab

Before starting rehab, always verify your insurance coverage by contacting your provider directly. Ask for details about what’s covered, any out-of-pocket costs, and whether pre-authorization is required for certain services. This can help you avoid surprises and focus on your recovery.

How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost Without Insurance?

The cost of rehab can vary depending on a few key factors.

One of the biggest is whether you choose inpatient or outpatient care.

Inpatient rehab tends to be more expensive because it includes 24/7 monitoring and more hands-on medical care, while outpatient rehab offers more flexibility and is typically less costly.

Another factor is the specific treatment center you choose.

The good news is that many inpatient centers are willing to work with you on the cost, and finding a program that fits your budget is possible.

We encourage you to reach out and ask about our cash-pay options for drug and alcohol treatment.

You can call us at (888) 201-4610—we’re here to help.

How Do I Find Out What Exactly My Policy Covers?

Navigating health insurance can be overwhelming, especially when you’re focused on getting the help you need.

While you can always call your insurance company directly, we’re here to make things easier for you.

At Cornerstone, we’re happy to help you understand what your policy covers for drug and alcohol rehab.

We offer free insurance verification and can explain the details of your coverage, including how much of your deductible needs to be met before insurance starts covering the rest of your treatment.

Our goal is to make the process smooth and stress-free so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Rehab Insurance

Is Using an In-Network Provider Better?

Yes. In-network providers typically have negotiated rates with insurance companies, which can lead to lower out-of-pocket costs for you.
Yes, most insurance plans cover treatment for co-occurring disorders, which include both mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Cornerstone Healing Center accepts a wide range of insurance plans. For a complete list, please visit our insurance page.

Cornerstone Healing Center and Rehab Coverage

At Cornerstone Healing Center, we accept a variety of insurance plans to make your path to recovery as accessible as possible.

Our team has years of experience helping clients navigate their insurance policies, ensuring you get as much from your benefits as possible.

Visit our insurance page to see the full list of providers we work with, and reach out if you need help understanding your coverage.

Taking the Next Step Toward Recovery

Figuring out your insurance coverage for drug rehab can feel overwhelming, but it’s an important step in getting the help you need.

Whether you’re looking at inpatient or outpatient care, understanding what’s covered can relieve some of the stress and let you focus on your recovery.

At Cornerstone Healing Center, we’re here to make the process easier for you.

Our team is here to guide you through your treatment options and help you find a path to recovery that works for you.

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