Do VA Benefits Cover Addiction Treatment?

Yes, VA benefits and other types of insurance must cover addiction treatment in some capacity. Although you may have some out-of-pocket deductibles or co-pays costs, you can count on your VA benefits to handle a portion of the costs. You can also stack insurance plans, if you have other coverage through private health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE.¹

The community care program, which allows eligible service members to use VA healthcare benefits outside VA facilities, has also recently expanded under the MISSION Act.

At AdCare Treatment Centers, we are here to facilitate the process for you quickly. Our easy verification system puts your mind at ease so you can begin planning your healing journey.

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Do VA Benefits Apply to Mental Health and Co-Occurring Disorders?

Mental health issues and substance abuse are closely linked. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that 1 in 4 people with a serious mental health illness also struggle with substance abuse.² Due to the strong correlation between the two, it’s vital to have a co-occurring disorder treatment plan that addresses the full spectrum of your needs.³ Treating both conditions simultaneously will help to ensure you have the best outcome.

Your VA benefits will cover mental health disorder services and treatment as well as addiction rehab treatment.^4,5 The range of mental health services includes but is not limited to:⁴

• Substance use disorder treatment.
• Evidence-based psychotherapy.
• Psychosocial services that support recovery.
• Treatment for PTSD and military sexual trauma.
• Suicide prevention programs.

Substance abuse treatment services the VA will cover include:⁵

• Medication-assisted detoxification.
• Maintenance medications such as methadone or buprenorphine for opioid addiction.
• Residential care.
• Intensive outpatient treatment.
• Short-term outpatient therapy.
• Mutual support groups.
• Aftercare and relapse prevention.
• Services catering to specific needs such as homelessness or combat-related trauma.

How Do I Get Addiction Treatment with VA Healthcare?

Your first step is to apply for VA benefits. After you have applied for VA benefits and you’ve been approved, you can reach out to the VA for help.⁵ If you have a primary provider with the VA, you can schedule an appointment with them to discuss your problem with drug abuse. They will give you an evaluation for substance abuse and help you find a treatment program. If you don’t have a primary provider, you can search for VA substance use treatment programs online.⁵

Community Care for Veterans and the VA MISSION Act

If you are unable to access addiction treatment at a VA facility, you may still be able to use your VA benefits to get treatment through a community care provider (CCP) such as AdCare.⁶

The MISSION Act of 2018 established a new Veterans’ Community Care Program and ended the Veterans’ Choice Program. In the new program, Veterans have more options to pursue healthcare outside of the VA.⁶

If you meet the eligibility requirements for the community care program (listed below) and you have VA benefits, you may be able to pick a community care provider for your substance use disorder treatment.⁶  The MISSION Act streamlined the approval and billing process for community care and expanded access to CCPs.⁷

Addiction Treatment Designed for Veterans

AdCare is an approved non-VA medical provider in the VA’s community care network. If you have met the eligibility requirements and received approval for community care, you may be able to attend AdCare Rhode Island using your VA benefits.

AdCare provides specialized treatment that is designed around the unique needs of Veterans and first responders. In our Veterans program, you’ll be in treatment with other Veterans who can understand your struggles and share in your recovery journey with you.

This inpatient program is tailored around common issues Veterans face, including:

• Trauma.
• Pain.
• Grief and loss.
• Stress.
• Hyper-vigilance.

Learn more about our unique Rhode Island-based program.

What if I Have VA Benefits and Another Health Insurance Plan?

Some Veterans may have more than one insurance plan. For example, you may have VA benefits as well as private health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE. The facility you go to for addiction treatment will work with all the insurance plans and benefits that you have. Make sure you provide information about each of your insurance plans.

If your VA benefit package doesn’t cover something, such as a non-service related illness, your other plan might.¹ Having more than one insurance may also help with copayments.¹

AdCare Treatment Centers works with a wide range of insurance providers including the VA, so you can rest easy knowing that you will receive superior care.

Get Started

At AdCare Treatment Centers, we are here to help you start the recovery process. Call for more information today.