Alcohol And Drug Rehabs That Accept United Healthcare Insurance

Medically reviewed by

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

April 5, 2019

Battling addiction is an overwhelming experience, but knowing you have coverage for treatment can lift a weight from people’s shoulders. UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest insurance providers in the U.S. and offers a wide range of coverage options for addiction treatment.

This company offers its policyholders coverage for addiction and mental health conditions, through their United Behavioral Health program. UnitedHealthcare’s Behavioral Health benefits provide services such as counseling, medical support, and substance abuse recovery programs.

As you begin researching treatment options, it’s important to understand the details of your specific plan. Coverage will vary, based on your individual UnitedHealthcare plan.

Does UnitedHealthcare Cover Addiction Treatment?

UnitedHealthcare offers addiction treatment coverage throughout the country. Specific coverage details vary by state, as states have different laws on drug and alcohol treatment requirements.

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 require that medical plans provide the same level of coverage for mental health as they provide for physical conditions. This act allows people to use their insurance to pay for life-saving addiction treatment.

Most UnitedHealthcare plans offer at least some level of coverage for alcohol and drug rehab. To learn the specific benefits of your plan, contact a UnitedHealthcare representative directly.

Alcohol And Drug Rehab Services Covered By UnitedHealthcare

There are many services that fall under the umbrella of addiction treatment care, including detoxification and medication-assisted treatment.

Your UnitedHealthcare plan will provide coverage details so that you can verify the treatment types that are covered by your plan. Your plan will also list copay and coinsurance details and should outline any pre-authorization requirements.

Addiction treatment services covered by UnitedHealthcare may include:

• medically supervised detox programs
• addiction counseling
• crisis intervention
• family therapy
• recovery coaching
• drug screening
• mental health counseling

Many UnitedHealthcare plans also provide coverage for long-term addiction treatment needs, such as inpatient and outpatient treatment centers.

Inpatient Rehab Programs

Inpatient (residential) rehab centers are considered to be the most intensive level of treatment. Many UnitedHealthcare plans will partially cover inpatient treatment services. Depending on their plan, policyholders may be responsible for a series of copays.

In an inpatient treatment program, clients reside at the rehab center for a specified length of time. During their stay, patients may require detoxification and medication-assisted treatment. Most inpatient treatment centers also offer a range of recovery therapies, including 12-step support.

UnitedHealthcare offers coverage for many inpatient programs, but these may require authorization.

This means UnitedHealthcare requires specific documentation that details a patient’s level of need. UnitedHealthcare may ask doctors to verify a policyholder’s level of addiction, and whether or not they suffer from any co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety.

Inpatient treatment can be a helpful option for UnitedHealthcare policyholders who:

• have a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder
• do not have a solid support system
• do not currently have access to a safe, substance-free home environment
• do not live near viable outpatient treatment centers

Outpatient Treatment

In an outpatient rehab program, clients schedule their addiction treatment in a more flexible manner. Outpatient treatment may be offered in a rehab center, a nearby medical office, or a local community center.

Outpatient programs provide treatment to accommodate a range of schedules. Morning or evening treatment sessions allow people with work commitments to find a treatment schedule that fits their schedule.

Outpatient treatment may be a good fit for UnitedHealthcare policyholders who:

• need to stay at their current job
• have personal or family commitments
• live in a safe, drug-free environment
• are unable to attend inpatient treatment

There are several types of outpatient treatment programs. In intensive outpatient programs (IOP), clients attend half-day sessions three times per week. These sessions may include addiction education classes, as well as group and individual therapy.

Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) are a more concentrated treatment option. PHP sessions are scheduled in half-day sessions, up to five days per week. Although treatment is a time commitment, it’s vital to prioritize your physical and mental health.

The level of coverage for outpatient programs will depend on your UnitedHealthcare plan. Not everyone benefits from the same type of treatment. What works for one person may not be a good fit for someone else, so consider your needs alongside your coverage.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment is one of the biggest benefits of drug and alcohol rehab programs. Clients who have a history of relapse, or who struggle with a dual diagnosis, could greatly benefit from participating in MAT.

Because of the Affordable Care Act, UnitedHealthcare policyholders will have the same coverage for MAT as they have for everyday prescription medications. Knowing the details of your plan is important, as coverage will differ from plan to plan.

Using Your Plan With UnitedHealthcare To Cover Addiction Treatment

It’s important to fully understand your benefits before using UnitedHealthcare insurance to pay for addiction treatment. However, wading through the details of your coverage can be daunting.

Verifying your UnitedHealthcare plan with the treatment center is a good place to start. A treatment specialist may ask questions about your health, in order to recommend a personalized course of treatment.

Next, it’d be beneficial to contact a UnitedHealthcare representative to directly verify your coverage. This way, you are armed with the facts about coverage before making a commitment to a treatment center.

Frequently Asked Questions About UnitedHealthcare Treatment Coverage

Deciding to seek treatment for addiction is one of the most important choices a person can make. This process can be time-consuming, and will likely raise some questions related to cost.

Being aware of your benefits and needs will help you communicate with UnitedHealthcare, as well as potential rehab centers. You’ll want to be fully informed about your financial responsibility, in order to avoid any financial surprises down the road.

Common questions about UnitedHealthcare treatment coverage include:

• Do my benefits cover medical detoxification?
• Does my plan offer coverage for any medication during treatment?
• Does my plan cover outpatient treatment options?
• Does my UnitedHealthcare plan provide coverage for inpatient treatment centers?
• What lengths of stay in an inpatient program are covered by my plan?
• What are my out-of-pocket costs, including copays?
• Do I need any medical assessments or documentation before I am covered for treatment?
• Are there any forms I need to sign with UnitedHealthcare before enrolling in treatment?

How To Find A Rehab Center That Accepts UnitedHealthcare

Dealing with addiction and the many different treatment options can be stressful. However, knowing how to utilize your insurance benefits can help make the process run more smoothly.

Allow one of our treatment specialists to help guide you in this process. For more information on how to use UnitedHealthcare to pay for alcohol and drug rehab, reach out to one of our team members today.

States With Rehabs That Accept United Healthcare Insurance

• Alaska
• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Iowa
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Massachusetts
• Maryland
• Maine
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Mississippi
• Montana
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• Nevada
• New York
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Puerto Rico
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• Vermont
• Washington
• Washington, D.C.
• Wisconsin
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

* Disclaimer: Rehabcenter.net is not affiliated with or endorsed by United Healthcare, United Behavioral Health, or the United Healthcare Group. Details about United Healthcare’s coverage are intended for informational purposes only. The specific details of your plan may vary and the specific treatment services you require may or may not be covered.