Answer: Through your Harvard Pilgrim insurance plan, you may be able to receive coverage for a wide range of addiction treatment services, but coverage will vary between treatment options.
You may find that you need a specific type of treatment or a combination of treatment services based on individual needs.
Below you’ll find a list of common treatment services, what you can expect from them, and coverage estimates.
Medical Detox
Many Harvard Pilgrim insurance plans cover medical detoxification to some extent. You will likely be responsible for a copay for this service.
Medical detox is a rehab service that helps rid the body of addictive substances prior to a treatment program. Detoxification services are incredibly important as detoxing at home can be extremely dangerous.
With medical detox, your care team will help you safely detox from substances while managing withdrawal symptoms, monitoring your vitals, and administering medications or treatments as needed.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is another service most Harvard Pilgrim insurance plans cover. You may be responsible for a copay or coinsurance for each MAT visit.
MAT is an evidence-based treatment method that treats addiction with the use of FDA-approved medications. These medications in combination with other treatment methods help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms as well as reduce the risk of relapse over time.
Inpatient Rehab
A lot of Harvard Pilgrim plans also cover inpatient treatment partially. You’ll have to pay a copay or coinsurance depending on your plan, though copays are limited to one per quarter.
Considered to be the most intensive treatment options, inpatient rehab provides round-the-clock care in a designated facility. Individuals live in the rehab center through the duration of their treatment.
Inpatient care uses a combination of treatment methods to create a comprehensive care plan for each individual. Inpatient programs are heavily structured and rely on a schedule.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Much like inpatient treatment, dual diagnosis treatment is often partially covered by Harvard Pilgrim. Depending on your plan and the treatment setting, you may need to pay a copay or coinsurance.
Dual diagnosis treatment is a kind of addiction care that focuses on the mental health disorders often found in conjunction with addiction. These are referred to as co-occurring disorders and can even be the main cause of addiction.
Dual diagnosis treatment programs treat mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or bipolar disorder alongside the physical aspects of addiction. Therapy and counseling are often a big part of these programs.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
Outpatient rehab is typically covered under Harvard Pilgrim plans but you may need to pay a copay for each visit.
Outpatient treatment is often considered to be a step down from inpatient treatment as it is still effective and comprehensive, but requires individuals to travel to a treatment center. During an outpatient program you’ll likely have treatment for several hours on several days of the week.
There are variations of outpatient treatment like intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and partial hospitalization programs (PHP) if you are not ready to fully step down to outpatient care.
Counseling & Behavioral Therapy
Many Harvard Pilgrim plans cover counseling and behavioral therapy, though you may need to pay a copay per visit or quarter depending on the treatment setting.
Counseling is a treatment service offered both in one-on-one and group settings. During a counseling session, you’ll share your thoughts and emotions surrounding your addiction and recovery as well as any goals or concerns.
On the other hand, behavioral therapy is a kind of psychotherapy that focuses on behavioral health. Often used for people with mental health disorders, behavioral therapy focuses on changing thought patterns and behavioral tendencies.
Some common kinds of behavioral therapy you may encounter include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
Continuing Care
Coverage through Harvard Pilgrim is a little bit different when it comes to continuing care or aftercare services. This is because this type of care differs vastly between individuals.
Aftercare services are treatment options that you continue to receive after completing a treatment program.
Some, like behavioral therapy, group therapy, or MAT, may be partially covered whereas others like sober living may not be. Be sure to check with Harvard Pilgrim for specifics.