Will Your Insurance Plan Cover Addiction Treatment?

Addiction is a complex, devastating illness, but it is treatable. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people that need addiction treatment don’t receive it. According to data compiled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), the most common barrier standing between people struggling with addiction and specialized treatment is cost.

Fortunately, addiction treatment is covered by most health insurance plans. Also, plans that provide coverage for substance use and mental health issues must provide coverage for these conditions at the same level they do for other health services.

With 90.8% of Americans insured as of 2019, the vast majority of Americans should have access to addiction treatment. However, insurance can be confusing, so here’s a general overview on how to use your health care to cover addiction treatment.

How to Use Health Insurance for Addiction Treatment

While most insurance plans cover addiction treatment, the amount of coverage, the available facilities, and treatment options may vary depending on the insurer and the specific plan.

The first step in using insurance to cover addiction treatment is to find a treatment facility that is within your insurance care network. This may require contacting your insurer, checking if they list in-network facilities on their website, or contacting the facilities you’d be interested in. With AdCare, you can simply use the to verify your benefits within minutes.

This will require you to input some basic information, such as:

• Your mail address.
• Name of the insurer.
• Your insurance policy number.

If you prefer, you can also call an admissions navigator at to obtain more detailed information about coverage and treatment.

After you’ve picked a facility where you want to be treated, you’ll likely have to obtain prior authorization for the treatment program outlined. Essentially, your insurance company will verify that treatment is “medically necessary,” and the treatment program outlined is the right course of action. The admissions department at AdCare has lots of experience dealing with insurers and can guide you through this process.

Even with insurance, cost can still deter someone from getting the treatment they need. In these instances, it’s helpful to review

Which Forms of Addiction Treatment Will Health Insurers Cover?

Each health insurance plan is different and, therefore, may provide varying coverage for certain treatment types. However, most plans will cover the basic evidence-based methods proven to be effective in treating addiction. This includes:

• Medical detox.
• Inpatient treatment.
• Outpatient care.

Addiction treatment is a highly individualized process, so picking the right program is a choice best made under the guidance of an addiction professional.

Insurers are less likely to cover:

• Treatment at facilities that ONLY use alternative treatment methods.
• Lodging at sober-living facilities post-treatment.
• Multiple visits to addiction treatment centers within a year.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, it’s not too late to get help. Please reach out to an admissions navigator to learn more about your specific coverage and the treatment options available at AdCare addiction rehab facilities.