Will Insurance Pay for Drug Detox?

Detox is normally the first step in recovering from addiction. It is during this time that the body purges itself of any traces of drugs and alcohol. You should undergo a drug detox under the supervision of a medical professional to avoid discomfort and potential dangers associated with the withdrawal process. Consequently, many insurance companies will cover drug detox if it is medically necessary. The exact coverage will depend on your insurance policy.

However, there is no guarantee that your insurance company will cover your addiction treatment costs. Your insurance coverage for addiction treatment will depend on the type of treatment you choose as well as the company you use. While some companies may not cover addiction treatment, others will. Nevertheless, some types of treatment may not be covered, even for those who have health insurance. Before starting any addiction treatment program, it’s always good to call your insurance provider. In addition, you can also go through your insurance policy statement with your insurance agent to understand it better.

Types of Addiction Treatment Covered by Insurance

Traditional detox programs are typically covered by health insurance plans. If your insurance policy covers addiction treatment, which will include medical detoxification, you may still have to pay a small copay or coinsurance. The cost of treatment may range from $10 to $150 for a single day. If you have insurance, check to see what coverage you have for addiction treatment.

In general, however, rapid detoxification programs or ultra-rapid detoxification programs are not covered. A rapid detox program is designed specifically to help individuals get off opioid drugs such as heroin or prescription painkillers. The process is four to six hours long, during which the individual is under anesthesia. As part of the detoxification process, opioid antagonists, such as naltrexone, are administered. Although the idea is an ingenious one since a person is unconscious while detoxing, it has not been proven to work well in practice. Because of this, insurers won’t cover it. Even though it was introduced 25 years ago, it is still considered an experimental treatment since the data does not support its efficacy.

What If Your Insurance Company Rejects Your Addiction Claim?

You have the right to appeal your insurance company’s decision. You can get the coverage you need to start your recovery with the right evidence. If you have an insurance company that refuses to pay for the treatment you need for your addiction, keep trying to convince them of the efficacy and necessity of a drug rehab treatment program to help you get your health back. An appeals process is available to assist you in getting the coverage you need.

Your first step is to appeal the decision. It is essential to document the medical necessity of addiction treatment. Documentation that supports your case may include things like medical records, letters from your doctor and other health care professionals. After gathering this evidence, you will need to write an appeal letter or fill out an appeal form. You will need to send the appeal letter and supporting documentation to your insurance company.

You Can Still Get Addiction Treatment Without Insurance

Since addiction treatment without insurance is entirely possible, do not hesitate to seek help if you are addicted. Treatment is highly effective, and there are plenty of resources available to you. Keep in mind that addiction is a disease, and that the right help is necessary to regain your health and rebuild your life.

Fortunately, recovery is possible with the right treatment, and there are many resources at your disposal to assist you. If you do not have health insurance, you should not let that stop you from getting help. Treatment options are plentiful. For instance, many addiction treatment centers offer sliding-scale fees based on your income. Treatment costs are not fixed. They can be adjusted based on your ability to pay. In addition to negotiating payment options, government or non-profit organizations may also be able to help you cover the costs of addiction treatment.

Although it can be difficult to deal with your insurance company, remember that you have the right to receive treatment. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction. Our counselors can be reached at 855-334-6120. They will help you get started on the road to recovery. They will explain what most insurance policies will and will not cover. And if you cannot get insurance, they will discuss your other financing options.