Drug and Alcohol Rehabs that Accept Physician Health Plan (PHP) Insurance

Medically reviewed by

Isaac Alexis, M.D., AAMA, AMP-BC

April 17, 2019

People who struggle with addiction may already be dealing with financial stressors. If you are looking for a way to cut the cost of addiction treatment, your Physicians Health Plan (PHP) insurance could make rehab services more affordable.

Physicians Health Plan was started in 1980, by a group of physicians in Michigan. PHP went on to become one of Michigan’s first independent practice associations. Today, PHP has more than 3,000 practitioners and 31 hospitals throughout its provider network.

PHP members have access to a host of behavioral health benefits, including addiction treatment services. The exact amount of coverage PHP provides will vary by plan.

Does Physicians Health Plan (PHP) Insurance Cover Addiction Treatment Programs?

Physicians Health Plan provides coverage for many different addiction treatment services, including inpatient and outpatient rehab programs. PHP is based in Michigan, and most of the in-network rehab center options will be within the state.

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires insurance companies to cover mental health services at a similar level as other medical conditions. Because addiction is recognized as a treatable disease, insurance companies now provide coverage for treatment.

This act has made addiction treatment more affordable for millions of Americans. If you have PHP insurance and are looking for a rehab center, a PHP representative will be able to verify the exact coverage your plan offers for treatment programs.

Alcohol and Drug Rehab Services Covered By Physicians Health Plan (PHP)

Addiction treatment can refer to a variety of services, ranging from inpatient treatment centers to aftercare support. Many of these services will be at least partially covered by your PHP plan.

No one approach to treatment is best. What works for one person may not be a good fit for someone else. Therefore, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different treatment options and see which seems like the best fit for you.

Drug and alcohol rehab services covered under PHP plans may include:

• medical detoxification
• inpatient rehab centers
• outpatient treatment programs
• medication-assisted treatment
• dual diagnosis treatment
• recovery coaching
• support groups

Your Physicians Health Plan may require copays for some of these services. That means you will be financially responsible for a portion of the overall cost. Fortunately, since PHP is a locally operated insurance plan, copays should be affordable.

Medically Assisted Detox

The first step in addiction treatment is medical detoxification. When someone uses drugs or alcohol for a length of time, the toxins build up in their body. This can lead to dependence, where they need the substance in order to function.

Detoxification allows the body to clear itself of the drugs and alcohol. During this process, people may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Drugs like benzodiazepines or alcohol can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.

It’s always safest to detox in a medically monitored environment. This way, the patient is kept as comfortable and safe as possible. Your PHP insurance may provide coverage for detox services, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Inpatient Treatment

The highest level of treatment is usually provided in an inpatient (residential) treatment center. In an inpatient program, the patient is provided a temporary residence. This allows them to take a break from everyday demands, and focus on taking care of themselves.

Most inpatient treatment programs last between 30-90 days. The National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends at least 90 days of treatment for more positive outcomes.

During an inpatient program, clients are immersed in a recovery-based environment. Supervision and support are provided 24/7, as well as a range of therapies. This structure helps foster a support system, and also provides clients a time to reflect on their well-being.

Using your PHP insurance to help cover the cost of treatment will greatly reduce the financial burden of an inpatient rehab center.

Some PHP insurance plans may require a medical referral for coverage. This means your doctor will need to fill out a form before you are covered for inpatient treatment.

Inpatient programs may work best for PHP members who:

• do not live in a drug- and alcohol-free environment
• have been in drug or alcohol rehab programs before
• don’t have a support system
• suffer from additional mental or physical health conditions

A treatment specialist will be able to help you determine the right level of treatment for you or your loved one. You can then verify your coverage with PHP, to prevent any surprise costs down the road.

Outpatient Treatment

In an outpatient treatment program, many of the same services will be provided, on a less intensive scale. Clients may opt for this level of treatment if they have recently completed an inpatient program and could benefit from additional support.

Outpatient programs can be scheduled in several different ways. Sessions may be offered 2-5 times per week, and are usually hosted at a convenient, public location. Outpatient programs may provide drug screening for an extra level of accountability.

Outpatient programs may be beneficial for PHP members who:

• can’t or don’t want to take a leave of absence from work
• already have a solid recovery support system
• are unable to pay for inpatient treatment
• have professional or family responsibilities

Standard outpatient programs offer sessions twice per week, while intensive outpatient programs provide treatment three times per week. Partial hospitalization programs are the highest level of outpatient treatment, with sessions held up to five days per week.

Coverage for outpatient treatment will vary, based on your Physicians Health Plan. Make sure to verify your coverage with a PHP representative, in order to choose the best treatment approach to fit your unique needs.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

People who struggle to get and stay sober may benefit from medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT helps relieve withdrawal symptoms, and can also reduce a person’s chance of relapse.

Some forms of MAT are also shown to reduce drug cravings. This can be a helpful tool for those who are wanting to achieve long-term abstinence from drugs like opioids.

Insurance companies like Physicians Health Plan are required to keep MAT copays the same amount as other prescription copays. This ensures that mental health and addiction treatment is covered by insurance providers equally.

Using Your Physicians Health Plan (PHP) To Cover Addiction Treatment

After reviewing the different addiction treatment options, you may want to connect directly with the rehab center you are considering. They will verify your Physicians Health Plan insurance and can help you create a customized treatment plan.

Next, consider reaching out to the Physicians Health Plan customer service team. Verify your addiction treatment coverage, and make sure to write down any questions that come up. Knowing your benefits will help you feel more prepared for enrolling in a rehab center.

Frequently Asked Questions About Using Physicians Health Plan (PHP) For Treatment

Because there are so many details associated with insurance coverage verification, it may be helpful to have a list of questions in front of you when you call PHP.

Common questions about using PHP to cover addiction treatment include:

• Do my benefits cover the cost of a medical detox program?
• Does my PHP plan cover the cost of medication-assisted treatment?
• Does my plan provide coverage for the different types of outpatient treatment?
• Do my benefits allow for inpatient treatment coverage?
• What am I required to pay out-of-pocket?
• Does my doctor need to refer me to treatment?
• Are there any PHP forms I need to sign before I am covered for treatment?

How To Find A Rehab Program That Accepts Physicians Health Plan (PHP) Insurance

Knowing how to use your insurance benefits can ease the process of enrolling in a rehab program — and getting the most out of your insurance coverage can save you money in the long run.

For more information on drug and alcohol rehab centers that accept Physicians Health Plan insurance, reach out to one of our treatment specialists today.