When it comes time to enter into a drug rehab program or alcohol treatment center, one major consideration is how to pay. We aim to provide some insight into the payment process for rehab and help you answer the question “will my insurance pay for drug treatment?”
In general, there are many available options including loans, payment plans, and private pay, however, the most common form of payment is health insurance.
What Does Insurance Coverage Mean?
Being covered by insurance could mean that your health insurance provides full coverage or partial coverage for our treatment programs. In most cases speaking directly to the admissions team should be your first step. To assist you in better understanding your treatment options when using your health insurance, here is a quick guide to get you started.
We accept most private insurance plans, HMOs, and PPOs. To find out what your plan covers you can call the number on the back of your insurance card and speak to a representative.
You can ask specific questions about your insurance policy’s addiction treatment coverage such as:
- Does my policy cover inpatient rehabilitation programs?
- Will my insurance cover aftercare and outpatient rehab services?
- Are there any co-payments, deductibles, or out-of-pocket expenses?
- Are there any limitations to the number of days I can receive treatment?
- How many days of treatment does my insurance cover?
- Is detox covered under my policy and what is the average mean cost per day?
- Are prescriptions during treatment covered?
- Are any services excluded from coverage during treatment?
- Do I need a referral from my physician or pre-approval from my insurance company?
Alternatively, you can always reach out to the admissions team at Royal Life Centers. After collecting your information, we will do the leg work for you in finding out if your insurance will pay for drug treatment.
Does Insurance Have To Cover Addiction Treatment?
To some extent, all insurance providers must cover addiction treatment as part of their Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance. That said, the level of coverage for drug and alcohol rehab will vary from plan to plan.
Additionally, the amount of coverage may depend on the type of treatment chosen. Generally speaking, comprehensive inpatient and outpatient programs are more likely to be covered than traditional 12-step programs alone.
It is important to contact your insurance provider directly to discuss what is covered under your plan before initiating treatment.
Are Some Insurance Plans Better Than Others?
Generally speaking, insurance plans vary in the amount of coverage you will recieve for treatment. The government mandates that each provider must offer a certain level of coverage, but this only ensures the basic requirements.
For this reason, it’s important to be aware of any differences between insurance plans before deciding. It is also worth noting that some insurance plans may have better mental health coverage than others. For example, one plan might cover psychological evaluations while another doesn’t.
It is important to research the nuances of each plan before making a decision. Additionally, if you are considering specialized treatment such as inpatient or residential care, it is important to make sure that your insurance will cover these services.
It should also be noted that some plans may have higher copayments and deductibles than others. In this case, it is important to consider the overall cost of your plan and whether or not it is worth paying more for additional coverage.
Comparing Insurance Plans That Will Pay For Drug Rehab
Generally speaking, certain health insurance providers are more likely to provide complete coverage over others.
The most common types of insurance providers include:
- Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)
- Point-of-Service Plan (POS)
- High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
Outside of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), most insurance plans tend to offer more coverage for addiction treatment but are more costly. With that being said, these plans also offer more comprehensive coverage such as inpatient and outpatient care, as well as medications. Additionally, these plans often cover services such as counseling, case management, and support groups. Unlike HMOs, these plans generally provide the most flexibility in terms of choice of provider and cost structure.
For instance, if your insurance plan is under a PPO, then you will have more flexibility when selecting a facility. That’s because these plans cover treatment at in-network as well as out-of-network drug rehab centers. However, also be aware that if you opt for an out-of-network treatment provider typically out-of-pocket expenses will be higher.
Alternatively, if you have an HMO, you must receive treatment and services from an in-network provider to receive any benefits at all. However, this might not always be the best choice for everyone, as many times quality care is sacrificed for lower costs when dealing with HMO.
With that being said, all insurance plans may include exclusions or limitations on the amount of treatment they will cover per year.
Things to Consider When Choosing an Insurance Plan That Covers Drug and Alcohol Treatment
It is important to take your time when selecting an insurance plan so you can find the one that best meets your needs and budget. Additionally, be sure to read the fine print in any plans you are considering so there are no surprises down the road. Doing your research and understanding what coverage you need can help ensure that you make an educated decision when selecting health insurance.
Don’t forget to take advantage of resources such as your employer’s human resource office or a local insurance agent. These resources can answer questions and provide helpful guidance throughout the selection process.
Finally, if you are looking to lower your out-of-pocket costs, you may want to explore using a Health Savings Account (HSA). HSAs can be used to pay for medical expenses such as copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. In some cases, HSAs can offer significant savings as well as other tax benefits.
How Do I Know If My Insurance Will Pay For Drug Rehab?
Knowing that there are many different insurance providers and plans available, the answers to these questions can vary greatly from person to person. For this reason, it is always wise to check with your insurance before entering treatment.
It is important to ask a representative for your insurance provider all of these questions when you call and make sure you understand all of the answers before moving forward with treatment.
Additionally, many insurance providers require pre-approval or a referral from your primary care physician to receive coverage for rehabilitation services. Finding out whether or not you must receive a referral will save you time and money when seeking drug and alcohol treatment.
Should I Use Insurance to Pay for Drug Treatment?
If your drug rehab program could be covered by insurance, that is ideal. This is why we work with many health insurance providers because we strive to make our addiction treatment as accessible and affordable as possible.
If you want to use your insurance to pay for drug rehab you may have lots of questions. It’s not always clear what kind of treatment is covered and what out-of-pocket costs you might incur. With that being said, our team in admissions will gladly assist you in finding out your insurance coverage and benefits for alcohol and drug treatment.
Find Out If Your Insurance Will Pay For Drug Treatment
If you’re not sure that your insurance will cover addiction treatment at Royal Life Centers, we offer a no-cost, confidential insurance benefits verification over the phone. It’s quick and easy, as well as completely risk-free.
You can also use our online insurance verification form and our admissions team will contact you shortly to review your insurance benefits and options. If you are wondering whether your addiction treatment would be covered by insurance, please feel free to reach out to us.
Don’t let misunderstanding your insurance benefits stop you from getting the addiction treatment you deserve. Call 877-RECOVERY today and speak with a Royal Life Centers admissions specialist. We also accept self-pay clients and have payment plans available.
