It’s true. Treatment for behavioral health is not cheap when you’re paying out of pocket for everything. Between detox charges, residential treatment costs, lab work-ups, and medications, the cost to get better is high. Thankfully, there are quality gender-specific treatment programs that are in-network with commercial insurance providers. Utilizing your health insurance can be an effective way to reduce the financial burden of paying for treatment. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of seeking help for young women struggling with drug addiction and how insurance can play a pivotal role in making rehabilitation more accessible.
The Impact of Drug Addiction on Young Women
The rates of addiction are increasing all genders in this country. “Data show that receipt of needed treatment for SUDs [substance use disorders] and alcohol misuse remained low while adverse outcomes such as emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and mortality increased for nearly all population groups…” Women are being affected just as much as their male counterparts, if not more. Addiction takes a toll on the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of young women especially. Women are more likely to develop serious addictions in a shorter time frame and experience more trauma during their addiction than men. Addressing these challenges through comprehensive and tailored drug rehabilitation programs is essential for breaking the cycle of addiction and fostering long-term recovery.
Why Seeking Professional Help is Vital
Addiction and mental health issues in young women don’t treat themselves. Without treatment, overtime these struggles typically get worse, not better. Entering a gender-specific treatment center gives young women a safe, structured, and supportive environment where they can separate themselves from the substances and start to heal. It’s not just the lack of distractions that a female addiction program provides, it’s also the community and tailored treatment options.
The Financial Barriers to Treatment
Despite the evident benefits of drug rehab, the associated costs can act as a significant barrier. Families may be hesitant to seek professional help due to financial concerns. This is where insurance coverage becomes a crucial factor in making these services more accessible.
Understanding Insurance Coverage for Drug Rehab
We have the Parity Act to thank for the expanded quality of coverage provided by insurance for behavioral health treatment. This piece of legislation made it a requirement that insurance providers offer coverage for mental health and substance abuse treatment that is no more restrictive than what they offer for other medical conditions. Being able to utilize your health insurance for treatment means that often a large portion, if not all of treatment, is covered by your insurance provider. However it is important that you have a thorough understanding of your coverage as every policy has specific details on what is and is not covered.
Steps to Utilize Insurance for Drug Rehab
- Reviewing Insurance Policy
Every insurance policy is different. It is essential that you review your specific policy before seeking substance abuse treatment to understand what is and what is not covered. If you have questions about your coverage, reach out to your provider or speak with the facility about running a verification of benefits check.
- Verification of Benefits
When you have decided on a preferred treatment program, contact their admissions department and have them run a verification of benefits check (VOB). This will ensure that they are, in fact, in-network with your policy and will provide you with a clearer understanding of what your financial responsibility may be.
- In-Network Providers
Opt for in-network rehab facilities to maximize insurance coverage, as they have established agreements with insurance companies. While out-of-network treatment programs are an option, they may have a higher out-of-pocket cost.
- Prior Authorization
Some policies may require a prior authorization before admitting into treatment. You can find this and other requirements out by reading through the specifics of your policy, calling your insurance company, or asking the treatment program of your choice.
- Appealing Denials
There may be instances where your insurance provider denies coverage. You have the right to appeal their decision and the insurance company must provide you a reason why they denied your coverage. If you feel their decision is wrong, you have 2 ways to appeal; an internal appeal and an external review. Appealing a denial of coverage is your right so if you feel the denial is unjustified, appeal!
- Single Case Agreements
In some instances, it may be possible to negotiate a single case agreement (SCA) between your insurance provider and an out-of-network treatment program. An SCA is a one-time contract that typically covers a specific client for specific services for an agreed upon length of time at an agreed-upon rate. These are rare but possible so if you feel you have no other options, speak with your insurance company and the treatment program about it.
Starting the Process
If you’re ready to start the process of getting your daughter or loved one into a gender-specific addiction treatment program, call Momentum Recovery today. Our female only facility, The Cove, was designed with the specific needs of young women in recovery. Help your loved one be better, be happier, belong.