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Paying for Alcohol Rehab with Insurance

Worried about how to pay for alcohol rehab? Insurance—whether private or public—can help cover some or all of the cost of treatment. Understanding your coverage and how to use it can make rehab more accessible. Keep reading to learn how to verify benefits and find treatment near you.

Does Insurance Cover Rehab for Alcohol Addiction?

Private or public insurance may be able to help you cover some or all of the cost of addiction treatment. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), requires long-term private and public insurance plans to cover 10 essential health benefits including treatment for mental and behavioral health disorders.3 This includes treatment for substance use disorder. The exact amount of coverage will depend on your specific insurance plan, and you may be responsible for costs like your deductible, copayment, or coinsurance.4

The two main types of insurance are private and public. Private insurance includes coverage you get through an employer (group plans) and coverage you buy on your own (non-group plans).1 Public health insurance consists of Medicare, a federal plan for older and disabled Americans, and Medicaid, which is state-based coverage for lower-income Americans.2 Both private and public insurance are bound by the provisions of the ACA, meaning both can help provide coverage for medically-necessary substance use disorder treatment.3

One important factor is choosing a treatment program that’s within your insurance provider’s network. Many health insurance plans don’t offer any coverage for non-emergency care outside of the network, and if there is coverage it will be much more expensive.5

Alcohol Rehab Services Covered by Insurance

There are a variety of treatment options for substance use disorder. Some are more intensive than others, and some allow you to live at home while others do not. The right treatment for your needs will be determined by working with your doctor. They may ask questions about the substances you use, how long you’ve been using them, and what your home environment is like.

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Insurance Providers that Offer Alcohol Rehab Coverage

There are a wide variety of insurance companies with plans that offer rehab insurance. For example, you’ll find addiction treatment insurance coverage in plans from providers such as:

The exact amount of coverage and how much you pay out of pocket depends on your individual plan, so if you have the opportunity, compare plans before making your final decision on insurance coverage.

Types of Insurance Plans Used for Alcohol Treatment

There are different types of health insurance plans available, and each one works a bit differently. This can impact how your provider network works, as well as how much you pay out-of-pocket when you use your rehab insurance coverage.

cooccurring disorders treatment

How to Pay for Rehab Without Insurance

Even those who do not have private insurance can attend rehab at an affordable cost. You might qualify for public insurance coverage that can help you with your treatment costs. Medicare is available for those 65 and older and those who are disabled or have specific health conditions.9 Medicaid eligibility varies by state but is generally based on income and family size.10You may qualify for VA coverage if you are an honorably discharged veteran.11All three of these public insurance plans can help reduce the cost of addiction treatment for eligible individuals.

How to Find Alcohol Rehabs that Accept my Insurance

Finding an alcohol rehab that accepts your insurance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A helpful first step is to talk to your doctor or a trusted medical professional about your substance use concerns. They can help assess your needs and refer you to in-network treatment providers. You can also use our search tool to find rehabs near you that accept your insurance. Filter by insurance provider, location, treatment type, and more to explore programs that fit your situation. For additional options, the SAMHSA treatment locator is another valuable resource for finding local rehab centers.