In many states, the opioid epidemic has hit particularly hard. For example, states like Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio have seen sky-high rates of opiate overdoses in recent years. Several of these states have created programs to help addicts get help, but rehab options may seem limited. Particularly for people reliant on their insurance policies to cover care.
Questions about rehab options are often related to what insurance will or won’t cover. If I live in Massachusetts, can I get help in Florida? Will my policy cover the care I need? Navigating these questions can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, there are far more options than you may think.
Massachusetts New Drug Plan
Many states have worked hard to create new drug rehab options. Massachusetts is a prime example of this. The state has sent millions of opioid pills to pharmacies that have infiltrated communities, creating an addiction epidemic.
In response, many police departments have started offering treatment to addicts who ask for help through their new addiction amnesty programs. Addicts in states like Massachusetts, New Jersey, and even Florida are receiving treatment opportunities and compassion from local police departments. In some counties, the officers will also transport people directly from the station to treatment.
But this has brought another problem to light: what happens when rehab options are limited? In cities and states like New Orleans, Arizona, New York, Massachusetts, and others, there is a shortage of available beds. As a result, addicts sometimes have to wait to get help- and the longer they wait, the more serious the risk of a fatal overdose.
Many people believe that their drug rehab options are limited by their insurance coverage or think that they have to seek treatment within their home state.
Insurance-Covered Rehab Options
Several years ago, the government passed laws to expand insurance coverage. The legislation is known as the Mental Health Parity Act. Most insurance companies are required to cover mental health care as much as they include physical health care. As a result, health plans must cover behavioral health benefits in the same capacity as what is in place for other medical care. Generally, this means that health insurance plans can not put more significant restrictions on coverage or out-of-pocket expenses than they do for medical benefits. Thus, parity law expands the rehab options available for those that suffer from various forms of addiction.
The best way to find out if this applies to you is to call the number on the back of your insurance card.
But what about care out of state or rehab options for people with state insurance or no insurance? There’s good news there as well. Most major insurance companies cover out-of-state rehab options. When they don’t, rehab facilities will often work with the company to get out-of-network services covered.
Many small, state-based insurance plans will cover treatment out of your home state. Sometimes this requires pre-authorization, but most rehabs assist with this process.
For those without insurance, financial plans are often available. If you need help, most treatment centers are happy to discuss options with you.
Attending Rehab Out of State
Someone may choose to go to rehab out of state for many different reasons. There are several benefits to this option, including:
- More choices. Many states have limited rehab options available or fewer beds than necessary. Widening the search can help.
- Getting out of an unhealthy environment. Many addicts and alcoholics find themselves surrounded by reminders of their substance abuse. That can trigger cravings and make it hard to stay sober after treatment is over.
- A fresh start. Addiction and alcoholism are painful for the individual and their loved ones. Sometimes, the opportunity to start fresh and rebuild one’s life can reduce this distress.
- Different treatment approaches. Many states have a lot of residential or outpatient facilities. States like Florida, where there are plenty of options, offer a full course of care from detox to sober living, whereas other states have limited choices beyond rehab.
Whatever the reason, changes to insurance laws have made it possible for most people to choose out of state options. As a result, this allows for more choices and the chance to make a fresh start.
Choosing a Rehab Facility
At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, we offer a full range of care. Whether you’re looking for individual sessions and a group once a week or intensive, long-term care, we strive to provide personalized treatment based on each patient’s needs.
We are also proud to advocate for our patients to have their treatment covered by insurance, and we accept many different types of insurance policies. To ensure that we can help anyone who needs it, we also offer competitive, affordable financial plans.
If you’re looking to make a new start in recovery and you would like some information on what we offer, please don’t hesitate to call today.
