Does Insurance Cover Alcohol Rehab?

If you are seeking help for alcoholism, you probably are asking, “Does insurance cover alcohol rehab?” Read on.

The decision to go to rehab does not come gently. In most cases, the disease of alcoholism has wreaked havoc on your life and brought you to this tipping point. No matter what the reasons are for finally seeking help, it is cause for great hope and celebration.

Rehab is not cheap. Cost is one of the factors that prevent many people from seeking treatment in the first place. It can, though, be more affordable than you might think when you first begin the rehab search.

In many cases, insurance plans will cover some of the costs, although each plan is unique. The range of covered services varies quite a bit, so you need to get the details from your provider. Keep reading to learn more about how to pay for alcohol rehab.

Signs You Need Alcohol Rehab

Alcohol is part of our social fabric. It is ever-present at most social events and celebrations. For most, drinking is not a problem, but for some it can surely become one.

While there is no known single cause of alcoholism, there are some factors that can contribute to it. These include:

• Family history of alcohol use disorder.
• Brain chemistry imbalance.
• History of trauma or abuse.
• Start drinking at young age.
• Genetics.

As an alcohol problem worsens, life can spin out of control. People begin to lose things that are precious to them. These might include losing a job, break up of a marriage, and loss of health. Also, money problems and legal issues can mount, adding to the downward spiral caused by alcoholism.

Symptoms of alcoholism include:

1. Unable to cut back or quit drinking.
2. Having blackouts.
3. Drinking becomes your number one focus in life.
4. Begin to neglect responsibilities.
5. Lying about how much you are drinking.
6. Hiding alcohol around the house.
7. Avoiding people to drink alone.
8. Increased tolerance.
9. Increased cravings.
10. Will have withdrawal symptoms when alcohol wears off, like sweating, nausea, and tremors.
11. Loss of appetite

Insurance Coverage for Alcohol Rehab Services. Does Insurance Cover Alcohol Rehab?

Too often, when someone needs treatment they falsely believe they cannot afford it. While most have to pay a portion of the costs, many have insurance plans that pay more than they think. They may be very surprised to learn how much is covered.

Some health plans outline some criteria that must be met to qualify for treatment coverage. These include:

• Mentally able to engage in a treatment program, with no other medical conditions that preclude the ability to engage.
• Withdrawal symptoms can be managed at the desired level of care.
• Demonstrate a desire and commitment to work toward recovery.

Because each health plan differs so much, it is crucial to contact the insurer and have them review the details. This also allows you to get a grasp of the out of pocket expense for treatment so you can plan for it.

Other Ways to Pay for Alcohol Treatment

What if you do not have a health plan? There are still some options to pursue if you don’t have insurance. Some states provide rehab programs at little or no cost. Some rehabs, such as the Salvation Army program, offer treatment in exchange for working there. Some rehabs provide easy payment plans, so you can stretch the costs out over a year or two. As well, some rehabs offer scholarships that cover up to half of the costs.

People also put some skin, their own resources, in the game if need be. This means they may finance treatment themselves through use of a credit card. Others may be homeowners and access the funds from their equity. Also, some people will cash out an IRA to fund their treatment.

Other Common Barriers to Treatment for Alcoholism

The cost of rehab isn’t the only roadblock to getting help for an alcohol use disorder. Sometimes a person will say they can’t afford treatment, when the reason for it is not about money at all. It is hard for someone to admit they need help. They may see it as a sign of weakness, as if they can’t handle their drinking. This can lead to denial, and that prevents them from seeking help.

Other barriers include worries about their job or career being hurt. Some may have a very demanding job. They may not be able to take a block of time off from work to go to rehab. Others may worry about stigma, thinking that their coworkers would look down on them for having a substance problem. It is important, though, for all of these roadblocks to be overcome.

How to Reinforce Recovery After Alcohol Rehab

Once you go through detox and rehab, your recovery work is not over. Recovery does not end at discharge. Recovery is a lifelong effort that will require aftercare actions. Aftercare should be planned for even before you begin treatment. It is a critical piece for being able to stay sober.

Aftercare simply means taking vital steps to ensure your success in recovery. Some key aspects of aftercare planning include:

• Alumni services and activities.
• Sober living housing.
• Outpatient therapy.
• Support groups.
• Healthy lifestyle habits.
• Using techniques to manage stress.
• Engaging in a 12-step community.

Taking these steps can truly make the difference in your recovery outcome. By sticking to your relapse prevention plan and making an effort to put recovery first, you, too, will succeed.

So, when you know you need treatment and are asking, “Does insurance cover alcohol rehab,” take that first step. Contact your insurance provider today.

The Treatment Specialist Offers Online Guidance for Alcohol Use Disorder

The Treatment Specialist is an online resource for informative articles on substance use and mental health conditions. Our specialists provide information about treatment options for adults, teens, and families. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism, contact our team today at (866) 644-7911.