Drug addiction can harm every aspect of your mental and physical health. It can strain even your most vital relationships, put you at risk of serious harm, and lead to legal and financial trouble that can follow you for life.
If you or someone you love lives with drug or alcohol addiction, you must get the support and treatment you need to avoid addiction’s life-threatening consequences. Knowing how to use insurance to pay for rehab can help you make informed choices during recovery.
Contact the specialists at Next Step Recovery for information about insurance coverage and your addiction treatment options in North Carolina.
Can I Use Insurance to Pay for Rehab?
Many people do not seek the treatment they require because they don’t know how to pay for it. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed in 2010, requiring health insurance companies to pay for addiction and mental health treatment costs. Although insurance providers are required to cover these types of treatments, plans can vary quite a bit in what programs and therapies they cover. You must verify the details of your specific plan before beginning treatment to avoid being surprised by unexpected costs down the road.
In many cases, you’ll be required to get an evaluation and diagnosis from a medical professional or addiction specialist before being allowed to use insurance to pay for treatment. This evaluation will include the following:
- A summary of your medical history
- Mental health examination
- Questions about your substance use, including what substances you use and in what amounts
- Prior drug abuse treatment programs
The practitioner will use this and other relevant personal information to determine which level of care or treatment program meets your needs.
There are several levels of care in addiction treatment, including:
- Medically-supervised detox
- Inpatient or residential
- Outpatient
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
Once your addiction specialist has determined the level of care that would best meet your needs, you can begin to explore your treatment options.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Addiction Treatment?
Many things can affect the cost of addiction treatment. It’s crucial to find a treatment program that meets your needs.
Services
Facilities that provide mental health care, medical services, or other specialized services may cost more than basic addiction treatment programs.
Location
Location can significantly affect the cost of treatment. The number of centers, availability of treatment programs, and cost of providing therapies can raise or lower the overall cost of rehab.
Level of care
Inpatient and residential treatment programs are generally more expensive than intensive outpatient programs. However, specialized treatments, luxurious amenities, and other factors can increase the cost of outpatient care.
Length of stay
Longer treatment programs usually cost more than shorter ones. However, specialized services or additional treatment needs may increase the cost of treatment, regardless of the length of the program.
Amenities
Luxury rehab facilities may charge more for their programs than standard rehab centers. Yoga studios, massage, and gourmet meals can enhance your experience during rehab, but they also dramatically increase the cost of those programs.
The bottom line is that you must choose the drug rehab program that offers the level of care and services you require, regardless of cost. While the cost of treatment may seem high, you must remember that your insurance company will likely cover some or all of your expenses.
How to Verify Your Coverage Before Using Insurance to Pay for Rehab in North Carolina
Before beginning a treatment program, you must verify the details of your insurance plan and determine what services and programs will be covered. This will help you avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses later. There are several ways to check the details of your particular insurance plan. You may:
- Call the number on your health insurance card and speak to a representative about the treatment you need.
- Visit your insurance provider’s website to learn more about covered services and find providers.
- Ask the staff at your treatment facility to verify the details of your insurance plan.
Drug and alcohol rehab centers have specialists on staff to help clients verify their insurance and work out payment plans, if necessary. The specialists at Next Step Recovery work with insurance companies so people living with addiction can focus on their recovery.
How to Find an In-Network Drug Rehab Facility in California
After determining the level of care you need, you can look for a facility that offers those services. Choose a facility that accepts your insurance to ensure your plan will cover the services you need at the highest level. You can find addiction treatment facilities that accept your insurance in several ways, including:
- Speak to a healthcare company representative about your coverage
- Search the insurance company’s website for in-network providers and programs
- Ask the staff at the treatment facility
Many insurance companies provide coverage for addiction treatment, and most facilities accept a broad range of insurance plans. However, you must understand what services, treatments, and providers your specific plan covers to avoid unanticipated costs later.
Verify Your Coverage Today
You don’t have to live with addiction. Comprehensive treatment can give you the skills and support you need to move past your addiction and into a better future. Contact the team at Next Step Recovery to explore your treatment options, verify your insurance coverage, and get started.
