Paying For Rehab with Insurance

    Admitting to a problem with addiction doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a long and drawn-out process that can take people years to come to terms with. It’s even harder to actively seek help for your substance abuse disorder once you’ve admitted it to yourself. 

    If you’ve made the decision to seek help and you’re reading this blog, you’re not alone.  There are hundreds of thousands of people in the United States alone who suffer from addiction. Heroine, gambling, and alcohol are just some of the substances these people become addicted to each year. 

    One of the hardest parts of the treatment process is admitting you need help. After suffering embarrassment, shame, and indignities that come with the process of treatment, the last thing that should trouble you or your loved ones is the payment process for this life-saving treatment. Payment should be one of the easiest parts of recovering from addiction, but a lot of patients and their families don’t think that it is. 

What will my insurance cover and how much will it cost me?

    Many times, people have questions like “does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover drug rehab?”, “what’s a deductible”, and “how much will this cost me?.”

These are arguably a loaded question. The price of treatment varies on several factors such as the facility, the treatment method, and the medication involved. While I can’t say definitely what you’ll have to pay for your substance abuse treatment, I can give you an overview of what you can expect. 

    Most private health insurance policies include mental health treatment and mental health medications. However, what they’ll actually pay for will vary depending on your specific plan. Just as you would inquire about your medical coverage during a medical procedure, you should do the same regarding the mental health aspect of your insurance plan. 

    Your insurance provider will be able to look at your plan and tell you exactly what is covered for substance abuse. They’ll also be able to find you treatment centers that are a part of their “approved” list. This will help you keep your costs low and avoid treatment centers that are out of network. 

    Make sure to check with your insurance company regarding your coverage. Visit the URL, https://www.upmchealthplan.com/what-is-health-insurance/, for more health insurance information and benefits. 

What’s a deductible?

    Most of us have heard of the word, deductible, before, but I’m willing to bet that some of us don’t know what it means. A deductible is simply the amount of money you pay for your health care services. 

    Let’s say you have a $1,000 deductible but the surgery you underwent costs you a total of $3,000. You have to pay $1,000 out of pocket for the treatment while your insurance company pays for the remainder. 

If you don’t know what your deductible is off the top of your head, that’s okay. A quick call to your health insurance company will remedy that. 

What’s a copay? 

You’ve probably been to the doctors before and had someone ask about your copay. Basically, a copay is what you pay for certain kinds of care. For example, your insurance company might require that you pay a copay for an office visit. It doesn’t matter if your treatment was more than your copay amount, your insurance provider will pay for the remaining fee. 

To find out if you have a copay, you can check your health insurance card or call your provider to learn more. Lucky for you, most annual physicals, vaccinations, and preventative care don’t require any sort of copay. 

What does the term “in the network” mean and why is it important?

As I said above, an insurance company will have a list of “approved” treatment centers or hospitals. This means that they are “in the network” and that the treatment facilities have agreed in advance to accept the insurance plan and the prices that go along with it. 

This is extremely important information to know when considering treatment options for your addiction. Out-of-network facilities will cost significantly more than those that are in the network and that’s if your insurance policy covers it at all. 

Make sure you check that your chosen treatment center falls on your in-network list. That way, you can seek affordable help for you or your loved one’s substance abuse. 

Consider investing in a stronger insurance policy before you seek treatment for your addiction. 

Free Person Putting Coin in a Piggy Bank Stock Photo

While it might seem counter-intuitive to spend money to save money, this is definitely the case when it comes to your insurance. Especially if you have medical problems, such as addiction, and plan to use more health care services. 

If you consider a more expensive policy with higher premiums, you could potentially save more down the road. It’s true that you’ll pay a higher rate for your insurance each month. However, your insurance company will be able to cover more of your medical expenses down the road. This is a good option for people who want to invest in their health and need long-term care to do so. 

Key Takeaways  

    Treatments for substance abuse disorders aren’t linear and neither are the insurance policies that help shoulder the weight of them. The financial burdens they inflict can be  challenging to overcome, but with proper planning and guidance, you can come away from your treatment stronger than ever. Affording substance abuse help shouldn’t be the defining factor of getting well. 

    Your health insurance agency is there to help shoulder the burden of your medical expenses and guide you in your treatment journey. They want to invest in your health just as much as you do because that means they’ll spend less money in the long run. 

    If you or someone you know is struggle with addiction, contact your insurance company. While they might not be medical professionals, they can still guide you to the right resources within their network. If you have a health care provider, they’re another great resource for you to contact. Click here for more resources regarding substance abuse disorders and addiction. 

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