More than 60% of Americans aged 12 and older currently abuse drugs (including alcohol and tobacco). California has the nation’s highest number of alcohol-related deaths.Â
But, going to a professional substance abuse rehab center can be expensive. That’s why so many who struggle with addiction don’t seek treatment.Â
Yet, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires individual and small employer health insurance to include coverage for mental health. This includes substance use disorder services.Â
So if you’re ready to get sober, consider our Tennessee alcohol rehabilitation center. This article will go over health insurance carriers that offer coverage for alcohol and drug rehab.Â
Types of Health Insurance Providers
Americans can access health insurance in a few different ways. The majority of Americans receive their health insurance through an employer-sponsorship program. Additionally, more than two-thirds of Americans get health insurance from private insurers.
Americans can also receive coverage through two federal government health insurance programs: Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare is for people aged 65 and older. It also covers some young people with disabilities.
Medicaid covers low-income Americans. Nearly 80 million people use Medicaid.Â
Further, many Americans use the ACA marketplace to compare and buy health insurance plans. The marketplace helps Americans get better coverage with lower premiums.Â
Regardless of how you receive health insurance, most plans cover some alcohol and drug abuse treatment. The following are some large private insurance companies that cover substance abuse:
- Atena
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem)
- CignaÂ
- Humana
- Magnacare
- United Health Insurance
Medicare and Medicaid both cover treatment at some TN rehab centers too. If you have health insurance, you are almost sure to have partial coverage for a drug rehab program.
It’s important to remember that insurance companies no longer deny coverage for pre-existing conditions. This includes substance abuse and dual diagnosis disorders.Â
The Cost of Drug and Alcohol RehabÂ
Rehab centers in Tennessee and across the country vary considerably on price. Several factors affect the cost of treatment centers. The first is insurance.Â
Just because you have insurance doesn’t mean the program or facility you want to attend will accept your insurance company. Before settling on a facility, contact the treatment provider to ensure they accept your health insurance. Most facilities make it easy to verify your insurance with them.
Also, you need to contact your insurance provider to see how much coverage your specific plan provides. Each health insurance provider offers different coverage. But, each plan within each provider comes with its own coverage and stipulations too.
For example, health maintenance organization plans (HMOs) usually offer fewer rehab facility choices. This is because they require you to visit a facility in their network.
Conversely, preferred provider organization plans (PPOs) offer more options since you don’t have to stay within a network.
Log into your health insurance provider’s online portal or contact their customer service to figure out your specific coverage. A representative will assist you with going over your coverage.Â
Another major factor in the cost of alcohol treatment centers in Tennessee is the type of treatment you enroll in. Most insurance providers will provide at least partial coverage of these treatments.
Let’s look at the options.
Rehabilitation Services Available
Drug and alcohol treatment centers offer inpatient (residential) and outpatient programs. During inpatient treatment, you live in a rehab center during your program.Â
Inpatient treatment programs offer healthcare services like:
- DetoxÂ
- Therapy
- Counseling
- Extra medical care
- Aftercare planning
Some inpatient treatment centers are in the hospital. Some are independent of a hospital and offer a more residential setting.
With outpatient treatment, you don’t have to live at the facility. Instead, depending on the program, you can live at home and fulfill some sense of everyday life.
Outpatient programs, like partial-hospitalization programs, are high intensity. This means they meet five days a week from morning until evening. That doesn’t leave time for work or school.Â
But other outpatient options are less stringent. They allow you to continue with your daily activities and responsibilities. Your healthcare provider and doctor will help you decide which type of treatment is best for you.Â
Detoxification treatment is available during inpatient and outpatient treatments. Detox is when your body gets rid of any remaining substances in its system. But, going through detox via an inpatient program is usually better.Â
The facility can provide safety and medical monitoring to ensure your health through withdrawal.Â
Psychotherapy is another option that allows those struggling with addiction to discuss their underlying issues. A therapist can offer coping skills to deal with the urges of addiction. Psychotherapy is effective for helping those with dual diagnosis disorders too.
Options for the Uninsured
As mentioned, health insurance companies cannot deny you coverage because of addiction. If you want to see treatment, consider applying for coverage first to help offset the costs. Paying out of pocket for any healthcare treatment will cost thousands of dollars.Â
If you cannot afford health insurance, talk to your employer or the treatment center. Your employer may be willing to help you pay the costs, especially if your addiction is negatively affecting your work.
Further, many treatment centers offer payment plans, so treatment is still accessible to those who can’t pay upfront.
Treatment at Our Tennessee Alcohol Rehabilitation Center
Thanks to the ACA, nearly all Americans with health insurance have access to drug and alcohol rehab coverage. Identifying your level of coverage for treatment means speaking with your provider and the facility you wish to attend.Â
There may never be a right time to get sober. But that shouldn’t stop you from seeking out help. Reach out to our Tennessee alcohol rehabilitation center, Apex Recovery Rehab. We offer the compassion and medical aid you need to start your road to recovery.