Answer: There are several effective addiction treatment options covered by CVS Health. Coverage will vary between options.
Keep reading to learn a little bit about some common addiction treatment options and how much coverage you may be eligible for.
Medical Detox
Many CVS Health plans cover medical detoxification. You will likely be responsible for coinsurance at a set percentage for this service.
Medical detox is typically offered at the beginning of a treatment program, inpatient or outpatient, and is a treatment service that helps your body detox from any addictive substances.
Trying to detox on your own can be very dangerous, which is why medical detoxification is such an important offering.
Detoxing is made safe through the care of your providers as they monitor your vitals, help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and administer any necessary medications or additional treatments.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment is another treatment service most CVS Health insurance plans cover.
If you receive this service in an inpatient setting you’ll likely have to pay coinsurance, whereas outpatient settings will require a copay per visit.
MAT is a unique rehab treatment that uses U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications such as Suboxone, methadone, or buprenorphine to treat addiction.
It’s typically used in opioid addiction and alcohol addiction and works by reducing cravings and the risk of relapse down the road.
MAT is used in combination with other treatment options to ensure a comprehensive approach, and is often continued for an extended period of time.
Inpatient Rehab
CVS Health plans do cover inpatient treatment programs to an extent. In most cases, you’ll be responsible for coinsurance.
Inpatient rehab is the most regimented treatment option when it comes to substance abuse rehab. It requires individuals to live in a care facility throughout their treatment program in order to provide round-the-clock care.
During inpatient rehab, you can expect to have a regular schedule with several treatment services. This treatment option is where many people start their recovery journey.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Dual diagnosis treatment is another treatment option many CVS Health plans will help cover. Much like with inpatient rehab, your out-of-pocket expense will likely include coinsurance.
Many people who have substance use disorder (SUD) also have mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, bipolar disorder, or depression. These mental illnesses can exacerbate addiction or even be the root of it.
Dual diagnosis treatment is a rehab approach that addresses both physical wellness and behavioral health simultaneously.
In other words, your mental health issues and addiction will be treated together. This typically involves counseling and therapy as well as other mental health services.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
Many CVS Health plans also cover outpatient rehab. Outpatient office visits are not subject to your deductible, but are subject to a copay per visit. Other outpatient services are subject to coinsurance.
Outpatient treatment is a less intensive treatment option than inpatient treatment, making it a great option for people who have completed an inpatient program or have less severe addictions.
It also does not require you to live in a care center, so it’s great for people who cannot leave home for extended periods of time.
During an outpatient program, you’ll travel to a rehab center several days a week and stay for treatment for several hours. There are also variations of outpatient treatment such as partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs).
Counseling & Behavioral Therapy
When it comes to counseling and behavioral therapy, coverage through your CVS Health insurance plan will depend on the treatment modality.
Inpatient counseling and therapy will typically leave you responsible for coinsurance whereas outpatient counseling and therapy may require a copay per visit.
Counseling is a common treatment option that allows participants to share their thoughts, goals, and successes concerning addiction and recovery. It is offered in individual and group settings.
Behavioral therapy is a kind of talk therapy specifically designed to reframe behavioral patterns and thought processes that contribute to addiction or mental health issues.
There are several kinds of behavioral therapy, but some common ones include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
Continuing Care
Sometimes called aftercare, continuing care is unique when it comes to coverage through CVS Health. This is because aftercare differs greatly from person to person.
As you reach the completion of your treatment program, you and your care team will devise an aftercare strategy based on your individual needs. Because this will include different services for each individual, coverage also differs.
For example, some aftercare services like 12-step groups or group therapy are free and will not require coverage.
On the other hand, some options like behavioral therapy or MAT have a cost, and are likely eligible for coverage. Finally, some services like sober housing are not usually eligible for coverage.
