Insurance Coverage For Addiction Treatment And Co-Occurring Disorders
For a long time, insurance providers did not understand that mental health and substance use disorders (SUDs) are just as important as physical health. Going without effective treatment for these disorders can be crippling and even life-threatening.
What’s A Co-Occurring Disorder?
If you have a SUD, there is a good chance that you have an underlying mental condition. People who become dependent on alcohol or drugs have frequently started misusing substances as a way to medicate themselves.
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, 37% of alcohol abusers and 53% of drug abusers also have at least one serious mental illness. This is a co-occurring disorder, also known as a dual diagnosis, and both disorders must be treated at the same time.
Contact Us TodayMental Health Parity And Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA)
One of the many important aspects of both the Affordable Care Act and the Mental Health Parity and Equity Act is to make sure that health plans and insurers offer substance use disorder and mental health benefits. And these benefits must be equal to or better than the coverage for surgical and general medical care.
A survey by the American Psychological Association found that nearly 90% of Americans had not heard about the MHPAEA. This law applies to most employer-provided plans and individual plans bought through the new federal and state health insurance exchanges.
All plans must cover:
- Behavioral health treatment, such as counseling and psychotherapy treatment.
- Mental and behavioral health inpatient services.
- Substance use disorder treatment.
Depending on your state and the health plan you have, some behavioral health benefits may vary. Some providers cover part or all of the costs of rehab so you can get the help you need to get and stay sober.
Contact Us TodayContact Harmony Ridge Today!
The first step toward achieving recovery is to reach out to one of the rehabs in WV that can get you on the track to recovery. Our admissions team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Give us a call today!
Contact Us TodayCheck Your Coverage
This might surprise you, but you have more coverage than you think. Usually, health insurance for addiction
treatment will cover the following at approved facilities:
Medical Detox And Medications
Most people require medical detox. This means you will stay in a detox facility while you get the drug or alcohol toxins out of your system. If you experience extreme withdrawal symptoms from some drugs and alcohol, you’ll receive medical supervision through the detox period.
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Inpatient Or Residential Care
You will live at the treatment facility in safe and secure surroundings with 24-hour medical supervision. This program is important for people with a severe addiction and a possible co-occurring mental issue.
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Outpatient Care
If you participate in an outpatient program, you will live at home and attend counseling and therapy sessions at the facility during the day. This is good if your addiction problem is not severe or if you have already completed a more intense level of care.
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Dual Diagnosis
As mentioned previously, it is critical for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders to be treated together. Failure to do so will make the untreated condition get worse.
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Continued Care
After completing a treatment program, people should keep attending therapy sessions. This is a major aid in preventing a relapse. Some people who feel they aren’t ready to go back to living a substance-free life will enter a sober living home. They will reside with other recovering addicts in a drug-free residence with structured rules and mutual support.
Maintenance Medication
Some addictions require medication to maintain sobriety for some time. This helps typically to prevent cravings and ultimately, a relapse.
Understanding Insurance Terms
Getting denied for mental health or substance use treatment is frustrating. Part of what makes it so stressful is the terminology insurance companies use. Some of the most common terms are:
Medical necessity
Utilization management
Prior authorization
Step therapy
If you are denied coverage, you may appeal the decision. Remember, mental parity is the equal treatment of mental and other health conditions under insurance plans. Most health plans are required to follow federal and state parity laws.
You will need to check your coverage or let us check for you. We can relieve some of the stress you may be experiencing at this time. Different companies cover different levels of treatment services, and we are glad to help you sort it out.
Paying For Rehab At Harmony Ridge Recovery Center
We have insurance and admissions specialists that can help you arrange for financing of your rehab at Harmony Ridge.
- Private insurance: Harmony Ridge accepts most major insurance plans.
- Self-pay: Sometimes the insurance company doesn’t pay the entire cost of rehab. Some people would rather pay the total expense on their own and not involve their insurance company.
- Personal loan: You may be able to obtain a loan from your bank or use a credit card. Occasionally, family members believe it’s worthwhile to help with a loan for rehab. There are also special healthcare credit cards with deferred interest that you can use.
- Medicaid: Medicaid is a federal program that provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families, the elderly, and pregnant women. Harmony Ridge is one of the only Medicaid-approved facilities in West Virginia.
If You Have Questions, Harmony Ridge Has Answers
Deciding on treatment is a major life decision. We are glad you are going to take care of yourself or help a loved one. Our dedicated staff will make you and your recovery a priority with treatment programs specifically for you.
Our facility is located in the beautiful Mid-Ohio Valley with 50 acres of peace and serenity so you can truly concentrate on getting well. Contact us today. We are always here for you.
References:
www.hhs.gov/about/agencies/advisory-committees/mental-health-parity