When you or a loved one are looking for addiction treatment centers, a key factor is what kind of programs your insurance provider covers.
There are several different evidence-based treatment programs for treating substance abuse that WellCare covers. These programs include inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, as well as medical detox and medication-assisted treatment.
Medical Detox
WellCare Insurance provides at least partial coverage for medical detox with their insurance plans, a crucial first step in addiction recovery.
When you first enter a drug and alcohol rehab program, they will have you begin a medical detox. During this time, you will be kept under supervision by a doctor, nurse, or other medical provider. They will monitor your vitals, including blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate.
To be certain that your insurance policy covers medical detox, you will need to look over your insurance plan and call your agent with any questions.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Most medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs are covered at least in part by WellCare insurance plans.
MAT is one of the most successful methods for treating substance use disorders. Medications help lessen the intensity and feelings of withdrawal and increase the likelihood of successfully quitting an addiction.
The following common MAT medications may be at least partially covered by your WellCare insurance plan:
- Methadone
- Suboxone (buprenorphine)
- Vivitrol (naltrexone)
For a full list of covered treatment options, you will need to read your policy. You may be required to have prior authorization in some plans.
Inpatient Rehab
WellCare Insurance covers inpatient treatment programs — at least partially — for people who need more intensive care while battling their substance use disorder. Inpatient treatment (also known as residential treatment) is usually the first step after medical detox.
Whether it is long or short-term, inpatient treatment consists of frequent monitoring by a doctor or medical provider, group and individual therapy, and other evidence-based treatments.
WellCare Insurance follows the guidelines for treating alcohol and drug addiction set by the National Institution on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. These guidelines recommend starting an addiction treatment program by spending at least two weeks in an inpatient treatment facility.
In order to be certain how much your plan will cover, you will need to contact your insurance representative.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
WellCare policies do cover dual diagnosis treatment. However, the amount of coverage will depend on whether or not the treatment provider is in or out-of-network.
Dual diagnosis treatment is for people facing both drug and alcohol abuse and mental health conditions. These programs treat both disorders together.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has deemed mental and behavioral health care essential health benefits that have to be provided in some form by insurance providers.
If you have a WellCare HMO plan, you will need a referral from your primary care physician to see an addiction specialist.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
Most WellCare Insurance policies offer partial to full payment for outpatient treatment programs.
Outpatient treatment programs are designed for people who have successfully completed an inpatient treatment program and for people who do not require a higher level of care.
Outpatient programs are meant to be utilized in a step-down manner, with the intensity of treatment lessening as you move through the levels. Outpatient programs include partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and general outpatient programs.
Payment for outpatient treatment programs usually occurs each time you go in the form of a copayment instead of a one-time lump sum payment.
WellCare insurance copays for outpatient rehab programs are as follows:
- WellCare HMO plans have a $20-$30 copay for outpatient opioid treatment programs.
- WellCare PPO plans will charge a $30-$35 copay for in-network opioid treatment and a $50 copay for out-of-network treatment.
Counseling & Behavioral Therapy
Most WellCare Insurance policies offer some form of coverage for behavioral therapy and counseling. Often, this coverage is extended to the inpatient or outpatient program that offers the therapy.
Therapy and counseling are important parts of long-lasting recovery. Sobriety can be more successful when the underlying problems and trauma have been treated.
Some of the most commonly used forms of therapy include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
Continuing Care
WellCare provides coverage for a variety of aftercare programs, or a form of continuing care for people who have finished their initial treatment program.
For many people who have completed inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment, re-entering their lives can be a daunting idea. Sober living was designed to give extra support to those who have successfully completed a substance abuse treatment plan.
These programs are able to assist people as they acclimate to their new lives without drugs and alcohol. The best way to find out if WellCare insurance will cover sober living is to contact your WellCare insurance agent.