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Coverage

Verify Your Insurance

Last updated: 2026

Need help right now?

Call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) — free, confidential, 24/7. They can help you find treatment programs that match your insurance and financial situation.

Does insurance cover addiction treatment?

Yes — most private insurance plans, Medicaid, and Medicare are required to cover addiction treatment and mental health care under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and the Affordable Care Act. Coverage must be comparable to coverage for other medical conditions.

What is covered — and how much you pay out-of-pocket — depends on your specific plan, whether the facility is in-network, and the level of care (detox, residential, outpatient).

How to verify your insurance coverage

  1. Call the number on the back of your insurance card. Ask specifically about coverage for substance use disorder and mental health treatment (SUD/MH benefits).
  2. Ask these questions:
    • Does my plan cover inpatient/residential treatment? Outpatient (IOP/PHP)?
    • What is my deductible and out-of-pocket maximum?
    • Do I need prior authorisation before admission?
    • Are there any in-network facilities near me?
  3. Contact the facility directly. Most treatment centres have admissions staff who can verify your benefits on your behalf — free of charge — before you commit.

Payment options explained

Private Insurance
Covers a portion of treatment costs based on your plan. Most major insurers (Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealth, Humana) cover SUD treatment under parity laws.
Medicaid
Government health coverage for low-income individuals and families. Coverage varies by state but must include addiction treatment under the ACA. Expansion states offer broader access.
Medicare
Federal coverage for people 65+ and certain disabled individuals. Covers medically supervised detox, some residential treatment, and outpatient therapy.
Military Insurance (TRICARE)
Covers active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. TRICARE covers detox, residential, and outpatient SUD treatment.
Self-Pay / Cash
You pay directly without insurance. Many facilities offer sliding-scale fees based on income. Some offer payment plans or financing.
Sliding-Scale Fees
The facility adjusts the cost based on your income. Non-profit and state-funded programs often offer this.
Free / State-Funded
Some programmes receive federal or state grants and provide treatment at no cost to the patient. Waiting lists may apply.

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