Answer: Kaiser Permanente offers coverage for diverse addiction treatments to provide for the various addictions people may experience.
Based on your needs, the addiction you have, and other factors, your healthcare providers might suggest a particular treatment method or a combination of several.
Read below to learn more about addiction treatment options you may encounter on your recovery journey.
Medical Detox
Many Kaiser Permanente plans cover medical detoxification or detox services at least partially, though some plans may require a copay.
Detox services are often the first service offered in a treatment program as they help individuals get rid of any addictive substances still in their bodies.
Medical detox, which helps you safely detox with medical supervision, is a very important service as detoxing on your own can be dangerous.
You can expect your care providers to monitor your vitals, help manage withdrawal symptoms, and administer any necessary medications.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Often referred to as MAT, medication-assisted treatment is another service your Kaiser Permanente health insurance plan may cover. You may need prior authorization if this is provided through residential treatment.
MAT uses U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications to treat addiction. This works by helping people through withdrawal and cravings while reducing the risk of relapse as they work through other facets of their recovery journey.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient rehab is covered partially by many Kaiser Permanente plans, many of which require a copay for a set amount of days followed by no charge for the remaining days. You will also likely need prior authorization.
Considered the highest level of care, inpatient treatment is around-the-clock care provided in a designated facility where individuals live throughout the course of their treatment.
Inpatient programs are very structured and regimented, making them well-suited for people who are just starting their journey.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
You may be able to receive coverage for dual diagnosis treatment through Kaiser Permanente with prior authorization and possible copays.
Dual diagnosis treatment is a comprehensive approach for people who have co-occurring disorders. Co-occurring disorders are mental health disorders that occur alongside addiction, often exacerbating it or being the root of it.
Dual diagnosis treatment addresses addiction and mental health simultaneously. This treatment service may be offered in inpatient or outpatient programs and will likely fall under the coverage of that type of program.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
Similar to inpatient rehab programs, Kaiser Permanente does partially cover outpatient rehab often with copays for each visit. Prior authorization will most likely need to be obtained first.
Outpatient treatment is less intensive than inpatient rehab as patients do not have to live in a treatment facility. However, they will be expected to travel to a care center for treatment up to multiple days a week for several hours at a time.
You may find partial hospitalization programs (PHP) or intensive outpatient programs (IOP) to be a good bridge between inpatient and outpatient care.
Counseling & Behavioral Therapy
Counseling and behavioral therapy are services that often require copays under Kaiser Permanente coverage. Typically, these services are offered in inpatient or outpatient programs, so your copay will likely align with the cost of the program.
Counseling is a popular treatment service that occurs on an individual or group basis and provides a space for discussing emotions, thoughts, concerns, and goals related to addiction treatment.
Behavioral therapy, on the other hand, is a more targeted treatment service. Also known as talk therapy, it narrows in on behavioral patterns and thought processes that may be making your addiction worse.
It is often used in people with co-occurring disorders and may be offered in different formats such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
Continuing Care
Kaiser Permanente at least partially covers continuing care or aftercare. What makes this service tricky is it differs quite a bit from person to person.
For example, for some, aftercare will be counseling, support groups, group therapy, or behavioral therapy, while it will be sober living or MAT for others. Your treatment team will help you determine what aftercare looks like for you.