Answer: Addiction treatment encompasses many different types and levels of treatment, depending on the severity of an individual’s addiction.
EmblemHealth covers most available substance abuse treatment options, though the amount that is covered will vary and people may still be responsible for partial costs.
Medical Detox
Medical detox is typically the first step in any addiction treatment program, and involves using medications and supervision to get a person safely and comfortably through withdrawal.
EmblemHealth plans do usually cover medical detox services, for both inpatient or outpatient detox, though the extent of coverage may vary per plan.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a standard treatment for people who are seeking help for an opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder.
MAT is typically covered by EmblemHealth, though people will want to check with their individual plan and their drug list to find out if the drugs used for MAT, such as methadone or Suboxone, are covered under their plan.
Inpatient Rehab
During an inpatient rehab stay, a person goes through addiction treatment while living onsite and attending counseling and group therapy with other residents of the program.
This type of treatment is covered under EmblemHealth, though it may depend on the plan and the length of stay that the person requires.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
For people who have co-occurring disorders with their substance use disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions, dual diagnosis treatment can be very effective.
This type of treatment utilizes both mental health services and substance abuse services, both of which are covered by EmblemHealth at varying levels per plan.
Mental illness and other forms of co-occurring disorder treatment often utilize prescription medications, such as anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants. Members should always check to make sure their needed drugs are covered.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
Outpatient treatment for substance abuse often includes a combination of medication-assisted treatment and therapy, depending on the substance that a person has been abusing.
EmblemHealth covers a variety of necessary outpatient treatments for substance abuse, including counseling, MAT, and detox.
This also includes intensive outpatient programs, in which people attend treatment services several days each week, and partial hospitalization programs (PHP).
Counseling & Behavioral Therapy
Counseling and behavioral therapy can be some of the most effective forms of substance use and mental health treatment.
People in addiction treatment can access individual therapy or group therapy, and sometimes couples therapy or family therapy as well.
EmblemHealth covers a wide range of mental health and behavioral health therapies for members, and always covers some level of counseling and therapy.
Continuing Care
Continuing care for substance use treatment usually involves some form of transitional housing, such as a sober home, where people in recovery can transition back into their lives while focusing on their goal of sobriety.
EmblemHealth does cover continuing therapy and counseling, but does not cover any type of transitional or sober housing, as these are not considered medically necessary and not a formal treatment program under the Affordable Care Act.