When you reach the point where you are ready to get the help you need for your substance use disorder, you are going to start thinking about a number of things. This includes the question, “does Medicaid cover rehab”?
Financial reasons serve as the most common obstacles to treatment for the general public. Being unable to afford professional treatment services is a primary reason why only 10% of those with substance use disorders get help. The cost for care has been extremely high, as most insurance companies have historically tried to avoid offering coverage for mental health conditions or stigmatized diseases like addiction. But, today, things have begun to change for the better. Not only more people than ever before who are insured receive partial or full coverage for their addiction treatment, but so can those who utilize Medicaid.
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is constantly part of national discussion no matter where you may live. And even though you may hear about it all the time, you may not be fully aware of just what this program is and does.
Medicaid is a federal and state program that provides assistance with healthcare costs for those who have limited resources and/or income. This means that Medicaid can cover low-income adults, children, the elderly, and individuals who have disabilities. The entire program is funded through state and federal reserves. It reaches more than 72 million Americans who require assistance with paying for their healthcare.
Does Medicaid Cover Rehab?
Many people find themselves on the doorstep of treatment without any insurance or funds to help pay for the services they need to get sober. Unfortunately, this is the hard truth about the disease of addiction. But, those who have Medicaid are unique in that they are likely able to obtain coverage for services.
Prior to the establishment of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010, addiction treatment was only an optional benefit of Medicaid. But, with the implementation of the ACA, states nationwide began to include treatment services designed for those with substance use disorders in their plans. This is so treatment could be obtained affordably.
So really, does Medicaid cover rehab? The answer is yes. Depending on the state, individuals on Medicaid can receive coverage for common addiction treatment services including:
- Detox
- Inpatient treatment
- Outpatient treatment
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Screenings
- Therapy including (but not limited to) cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, and motivational interviewing
Again, how expansive Medicaid coverage is depends on the state that the individual in need of treatment resides. Most treatment centers today accept Medicaid as an acceptable form of coverage for services.
Medicaid for Addiction Treatment in Colorado
Does Medicaid cover rehab in Colorado? Since this program is state-specific, knowing what type of coverage you can receive through Medicaid in Colorado is imperative. Especially when looking into treatment programs.
In 2018, a piece of legislation known as HB18-1136 was passed. This allowed residential and inpatient treatment to be covered by Medicaid and other Colorado medical assistance programs. Because of this one bill, the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) also began including inpatient and residential treatment into the services. This began on January, 1st of 2021. This specific department provides services and coverage for 1 in 4 Colorado residents. This means that it expands the possibility of treatment to even more people than before.
How Do I Use Medicaid for Treatment?
If you have Medicaid and are in need of addiction treatment services, you can utilize it to your benefit by doing the following:
- Contact a Treatment Center – After spending time researching rehabs in the area, reach out to ones of interest directly and ask them if they accept Medicaid. Some facilities may not accept Medicaid at this time, but most do.
- Share Your Information – When you get in touch with someone at your facility of choice, be sure to share your information with them. You want to give them your Medicaid information so that they can go ahead and verify your insurance.
- Be Prepared – Medicaid at its best provides 100% coverage for addiction treatment services. But, remember, all states do not have the same regulations surrounding Medicaid and substance abuse treatment. Therefore, being prepared with a backup plan for payment is always a productive idea. This is so you don’t have to extend your wait time to be admitted into a program.
Medicaid for Rehab in Denver, CO
If you are in need of professional addiction treatment, do not hesitate to reach out and get the help you deserve. Having Medicaid is usually more helpful than you might initially think. Contact treatment centers of interest and ask them their policies surrounding Medicaid. If they can, have them verify your insurance so you can get moving on the road to recovery.
Do not wait any longer. Get professional addiction treatment with your Medicaid coverage in Colorado today.
