Does Insurance Cover Inpatient Rehab? What You Need to Know
Seeking treatment for addiction is fundamental to long-term recovery, but many people worry about the costs associated with inpatient rehab. Understanding, “how much does insurance cover for inpatient rehab?”, can ease this concern and help you plan for treatment.
This guide explores what inpatient rehab involves, the benefits it offers, and how insurance can help cover the costs, so you can focus on getting the help you need.
What Is Inpatient Rehab?
Inpatient rehab is a type of treatment program where someone stays at a facility to receive help for addiction or mental health issues for 30-90 days. Unlike outpatient programs, where people go home after treatment sessions, inpatient rehab requires them to live at the treatment center. This provides a safe, supportive, and immersive environment where they can focus entirely on recovery without distractions or triggers from their everyday lives.
Inpatient rehab programs offer various services to help people get better. These often include:
- Medical detox: The first step for many people is detoxification, or detox, where the body gets rid of harmful substances. This process is supervised by medical professionals to ensure safety and comfort.
- Counseling and therapy: People at inpatient rehab participate in individual and group therapy sessions. These sessions help them understand their addictions, learn coping strategies, and build a support network.
- Educational programs: These programs teach people about addiction, its effects, and how to stay sober long-term.
- Activities and recreation: Inpatient rehab often includes recreational activities to promote physical health and provide a balanced approach to recovery. These activities can include yoga, art therapy, and exercise.
- Aftercare planning: Staff help people at rehab develop a plan to stay sober, including finding support groups and outpatient therapy options.
Living at the rehab center means people have 24/7 access to care and support. This constant support is especially important in the early stages of recovery when cravings and withdrawal symptoms can be strongest. The structured environment helps people establish a routine, which is beneficial for building new, healthy habits.
Does Insurance Cover Inpatient Rehab?
So does health insurance cover inpatient rehab? Yes, insurance is required by law to cover the costs of addiction treatment when recommended by a clinical professional. However, the extent of coverage can vary based on several factors, such as the specific insurance plan, the treatment needed, and the rehab center chosen.
The following types of insurance may help meet the costs of inpatient rehab:
- Private health insurance: Most private insurance plans cover some level of addiction treatment, including inpatient rehab. The exact coverage depends on the plan’s benefits.
- Employer-sponsored insurance: Plans provided by employers often include coverage for mental health and substance use treatment.
- Medicare: Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, and some younger people with disabilities. It covers certain inpatient rehab services.
- Medicaid: Medicaid, a state and federal program provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families. Medicaid often covers inpatient rehab, but coverage can vary by state.
- ACA (Affordable Care Act) plans: ACA plans must cover mental health and substance use disorder services as essential health benefits, including inpatient rehab if it is deemed necessary.
What Are the Factors That Determine Whether Rehab is Covered by Insurance?
Insurance companies often require proof that inpatient rehab is medically necessary. This means a healthcare professional must show that outpatient treatment wouldn’t be intensive enough to treat the addiction or mental health condition. You can acquire this simply by calling the rehab facility of your choice. An admissions counselor will provide a clinical assessment to ensure the need for treatment, which will be delivered to your insurance provider.
Insurance plans usually have a network of preferred providers. Choosing an in-network rehab center can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Out-of-network treatment might still be covered, but it could be more expensive.
Every insurance plan is different. Check the specifics of your plan to understand what is covered, such as the length of stay and types of services. Here’s how to verify your coverage:
- Contact your insurance provider: Ask directly about the coverage for inpatient rehab, including any pre-authorization requirements and in-network facilities.
- Consult the rehab center: Many rehab centers have staff who can help verify your insurance benefits and explain the coverage.
- Review your policy documents: Look at your insurance policy to understand the details of your coverage, including deductibles, co-pays, and any coverage limits.
Understanding your insurance coverage can make the process of entering inpatient rehab smoother and less stressful, ensuring you or your loved one can focus on the important task of recovery. Most reputable rehabs will guide you through this process.
For immediate assistance getting insurance set up for rehab, call our friendly recovery team at 844.739.2005 today.
5 Benefits of Inpatient Rehab
Here are five important benefits of choosing inpatient rehab to overcome addiction and improve their mental health:
1) 24-hour support and supervision
In inpatient rehab, you are never alone. Medical professionals and counselors are available around the clock to provide support and supervision. This means that if you experience cravings, withdrawal symptoms, or emotional distress, there is always someone there to help. This constant support is highly beneficial, especially in the challenging early stages of recovery.
2) Structured environment
Inpatient rehab provides a structured environment with a daily schedule of activities, therapy sessions, and healthy meals. This structure helps you build a routine, which helps establish new, healthy habits. The structured setting also minimizes distractions and temptations, allowing you to focus on your recovery fully.
3) Access to medical care
During inpatient rehab, you have access to medical care whenever you need it. This is particularly important during the detox phase, where withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even dangerous. Having medical professionals on hand ensures that you can detox safely and comfortably. Additionally, ongoing medical care helps manage any other health issues that may arise during treatment.
4) Therapeutic community
Being in an inpatient rehab means being part of a supportive community of people who are going through similar experiences. This sense of community can be incredibly empowering. Group therapy sessions and shared activities help you connect with others, build a support network, and learn from each other’s experiences. This communal support can make a big difference in your recovery journey.
5) Comprehensive treatment programs
Inpatient rehab offers a wide range of treatment options designed to address all aspects of addiction and mental health. These programs typically include individual therapy, group therapy, educational workshops, and holistic therapies such as yoga and art therapy. This comprehensive approach ensures that you receive comprehensive care that deals with the physical and emotional components of addiction.
Choosing inpatient rehab can provide a solid foundation for your recovery journey, offering the support, structure, and comprehensive care needed to help you achieve and maintain sobriety.
Is There a Way to Get Medical Leave from Work When You Attend Rehab?
There are ways to get medical leave from work when you need to attend rehab. It is vital to take care of your health, and there are laws and programs in place to help you do that without losing your job.
FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act)
One of the main ways to get leave from work for rehab is through the FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act). Here’s how it works:
- Eligibility: You must have worked for your employer for at least 12 months and have at least 1,250 hours of work in the past year. The company also needs to have 50 or more employees within 75 miles.
- What it offers: FMLA allows you to take up to 3 months of unpaid leave each year for medical reasons, including going to rehab. During this time, your job is protected, meaning you can return to your job after your leave.
- How to apply: You need to inform your employer that you need medical leave for rehab. Your doctor will provide a certification which explains why you need to take this leave.
Short-term disability insurance
Another option is using short-term disability insurance. This type of insurance provides you with a portion of your salary while you are unable to work due to medical reasons, including addiction treatment.
- Eligibility: You need to have short-term disability insurance coverage, either through your employer or a private plan.
- What it offers: It pays a percentage of your salary, usually around 50 to 70%, while you are in rehab.
- How to apply: Contact your HR department or insurance provider to find out the specific steps. Typically, you will need a doctor’s note and proof of your condition.
Talking to your employer
Sometimes, talking directly to your employer can help. Many employers understand the importance of mental health and addiction treatment and may offer support.
- Confidentiality: Your medical information is private. Employers are required to keep your health information confidential.
- Company policies: Check your company’s employee handbook or HR department for specific policies about medical leave and rehab.
EAPs (employee assistance programs)
Many workplaces offer EAPs that provide confidential help for employees dealing with personal issues, including addiction.
- Services offered: EAPs can offer counseling, referrals to rehab, and help with arranging medical leave.
- How to access: Speak to your HR department or look for information on your company’s intranet.
- Planning ahead: Try to plan your leave in advance to make the process smoother.
- Stay informed: Know your rights and the policies of your workplace.
- Get support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your HR department, a counselor, or a support group.
Taking the step to attend rehab is central to your health and future. With the right information and support, you can take medical leave and focus on getting better without worrying about your job.
Get Compassionate, Evidence-Based Help at Drug Rehab Centers
Many people who need help dealing with alcohol addiction or drug addiction have no idea where to turn. At Drug Rehab Centers in Southern California, we can help you kickstart your recovery.
Supervised detoxification makes drug or alcohol withdrawal safer and more comfortable. We can help you find detox centers across California where you can access medications and 24-hour care during withdrawal.
We can also connect you with outpatient treatment centers and inpatient rehabs near you, helping you address the psychological side of addiction and learn coping skills for sober living.
For immediate assistance finding inpatient rehab covered by health insurance, call our recovery team at 844.739.2005.