Aetna Health Insurance merges with CVS Health. The merge leaves many questions for members with Aetna Health Insurance regarding their benefits. Brittany Ringersen, CEO of Lighthouse Recovery Institute in Boynton Beach, Florida, says there are possible repercussions of this merger.
Recent addiction industry studies have found reimbursement issues with Aetna Insurance and other payers. As a result, physical healthcare providers receive higher insurance company reimbursements than addiction providers despite rendering the same services.
First, the merger between CVS and Aetna health insurance may limit addiction treatment programs for those in recovery. Additionally, it may restrict specialized competition. As a result, the limited monitoring may impact the managed health care system as a whole.
Aetna’s Drug Rehab Coverage
Under the pretense of such clichés as offering a “human touch” to drug store transactions, CVS Health announced plans to purchase Aetna health insurance for $77 billion. The merger comes when those in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction need more treatment choices. The immediate concern is coverage limitation. Will Aetna Health Insurance begin limiting drug rehab coverage to those in need of addiction treatment and drug rehabilitation?
According to a study published by the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, health insurance companies render payments inconsistently. Similar services are paid higher by physicians than from drug and alcohol rehabs.
As a result, many treatment centers are closing their doors due to the inability to cover their operating costs. Additionally, the death toll from addiction continues to rise. Generally, more people need addiction treatment programs, but fewer rehabs remain open. As a result, the solution to the opioid epidemic continues to move farther away.
Drug Rehabilitation Centers
Every individual must learn more about their options regarding drug rehabilitation centers and detoxes. Additionally, understanding the benefits and coverage related to their Aetna insurance plan. Determine before you enroll in a detox program or drug rehab your financial responsibilities.
For example, you will be responsible for your deductible and out-of-pocket costs associated with your health insurance plan. The out-of-pocket maximum is the most you will pay in a calendar year, above your premium, for services. Additionally, if you go to an out-of-network provider for drug rehab, you need to know the difference between a billed charge and the Aetna allowable rate.
