Will My Insurance Pay For Drug Rehab

The short answer is maybe.  When you call your insurance company, make sure to ask the following questions:

• Do you cover any portion of treatment for substance abuse?  If so, what will the co-payment be? 

• What is the total limit of treatment that you will cover? (Note: The recent passing of the Mental Health Parity Act requires that insurance companies that offer mental health coverage treat mental and physical health the same, which translates into similar limits and co-payments for both physical and mental health treatment, including rehab).

• Do I need a referral from a physician to be covered?

• What are the restrictions for choosing rehab treatment providers?  Do I need to choose a facility in a certain network?

• Do you have any recommended facilities?

• Do you know of any facilities that offer discounts?

• Are there any other restrictions?

What can I do if my insurance won’t cover rehab or I don’t have insurance?

There are many options for paying for rehab.  Certain groups – like veterans and pregnant women – may qualify for government-funded treatment.  In some cases, rehab facilities may be able to work out financing or payment plans; they may also have certain funds set aside for charity care – it never hurts to ask.   You may also be able to get assistance from local churches or community agencies.  The cost of treatment is, unfortunately, one of the biggest barriers to actually getting treatment; however, the alternative may be worse (Read Is Rehab Worth the Cost?) in the long run.