United Healthcare

United Healthcare

Addiction and substance abuse is a mental disorder that severely affects an individual both psychologically and physiologically. The stress that it places on one’s mental and physical health is just a small portion of what it does to a person’s overall well-being. Therefore, treatment programs are the best option for people who are suffering to get the proper help that they need. 

Research shows that today, 24 million people suffer from substance use disorders (SUD) meaning drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately, statistically, only 11 percent out of those people seek proper treatment at a rehab facility. While laws and regulations have made it significantly easier for people to be able to have access to good healthcare and treatment, there are various reasons why people do not seek help. These include:

  • Financial 
    • Having a financial problem is the number one reason for people to not seek help
    • Rehab and medical treatment have the reputation of being expensive, and while it is, there are always helpful alternative options
  • Social stigma
    • Embarrassment
    • Afraid people will judge them
  • Mental stigma
    • Attempt to quit on their own
    • Getting help has a lot of responsibility and requires commitment 

Does Your UnitedHealthcare Policy Cover Rehab? 

While cost definitely depends on your choice of treatment, and the level of care needed, most popularly, inpatient or outpatient care, paying for rehab isn’t always as easy as it should be.  However, it is important that you know that this financial burden doesn’t have to exist because there are numerous options to find funding for rehab so that you or your loved one can get much-needed help. 

Financing is typically the first and easiest option for paying for rehab. But, it is safe to say, that most people with a substance use disorder either do not have significant savings of their own or do not know what insurance plans are the best option for their specific needs. 

It is important to note that most insurance plans and their policy options, only cover a portion of the total cost of treatment. Therefore, most likely, there will be a deductible and copays, which means paying additional money out-of-pocket. 

It can be overwhelming to go through your UnitedHealthcare insurance policy to find out if they will cover the cost of drug and alcohol treatment for you or your loved one. At Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare, we are happy to tell you that paying for addiction treatment is no longer your burden. Our expertly trained staff of addiction specialists are ready and willing to help you navigate through the intricacies of your policy. All you need to do is call and we will take care of the rest.

UnitedHealthcare for Drug and Alcohol Treatment 

Going to rehab for addiction to drugs and alcohol is a person’s best option for optimal recovery and long-term sobriety. Treatment centers do vary in price, and so do an individual’s needs. Everyone’s cases are different, and therefore, the insurance policies available to you depend on the type of addiction, severity, and what treatments are best. 

As addiction is a complex disease, finding the right type of treatment is a key factor. In operation since 1977, UnitedHealthcare has been helping people cover the cost of drug and alcohol treatment at rehab facilities all across America, as they realized that offering coverage for substance abuse for those needing help was a significant priority. 

Since then, UnitedHealthcare insurance policies have been offering a wide range of services. UH’s drug and alcohol rehab coverage is a managed healthcare system, which utilizes a network of rehab centers, doctors, hospitals, clinics, and labs to provide the necessary care, including: 

  • Detoxification
  • Inpatient rehab
  • Outpatient rehab
  • Group therapy 
  • Individual therapy and family therapy

If you or a loved one is in a position where drug and alcohol treatment is required, it is important to check your insurance policy’s coverage before receiving help, to ensure you are within the network, and to obtain the highest level of coverage possible. 

Helping You Navigate Your UnitedHealthcare Rehab Policy

There is no doubt, that understanding all the ins and outs of your insurance policy can be overwhelming, especially to find out how much coverage you have for addiction treatment. 

Many addiction treatment centers around the United States accept UnitedHealthcare as they have been ranked number one in its sector on the “World’s Most Admired Companies” list. UH offers high-quality health and wellness benefits to employers, individuals, military service members, retirees, and their families, at cost-effective rates to nearly 70 million Americans.

If you are covered by UnitedHealthcare, there are several treatment options to choose from. The addiction specialists at Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare will help you navigate through this difficult time. 

Addiction Prevention Tools and Resources with a UnitedHealthcare Policy 

UnitedHealthcare is a reputable insurance company because not only do they allow a person suffering from substance abuse to get help. They also offer coverage options for various treatment services provided at rehab facilities around the world, as well as, resources and tools to assist with relapse prevention and coping mechanisms to help with transitioning through life during and after recovery.

Finding the right addiction prevention tools and resources can help you or a loved one take charge of your health and get more out of your plan. With your UnitedHealthcare plan, you’ll have a variety of helpful tools and programs available to you, which are all designed to help you get more out of your benefits and support your health and wellbeing. These resources include: 

Digital Tools

Find a doctor: Here you will find a network of physicians or mental health services. 

UnitedHealthcare® app: Download the UnitedHealthcare app to get instant access to all of your insurance plan’s details, and manage costs. 

Support Programs 

Rally®: Rally® is a program that helps people set wellness goals and earn rewards when they reach them. People with substance abuse are able to stay motivated on the path to recovery. 

Substance Use Helpline: Call UH’s Substance Use Helpline to receive confidential alcohol and drug addiction help 24-7. 

Policy Coverage for Substance Abuse with United Healthcare

If you or someone you love is suffering from substance addiction but you’re worried that the cost of rehab makes it difficult to get the needed treatment, there’s good news. If you are a member of a group health insurance plan provided by UnitedHealthcare, alcohol, and drug rehab coverage is included in your policy. 

Depending on your location, and your needs, UnitedHealthcare offers different plans, and depending on your policy, the benefits and coverage will vary. Contact your health insurance provider to review your specific policy, to determine the types of substance abuse treatment services that are covered. 

How United Healthcare Policies Work for Addiction Treatment Centers

Luckily, due to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), health insurance providers are required to provide coverage for drug and alcohol abuse, as well as mental health, at rates similar to those of other covered surgical and medical procedures. 

The network of behavioral health providers that are part of UnitedHealthcare includes more than 80,000 certified and licensed professionals. As well as access to these specialty care providers, UnitedHealthcare provides options for both inpatient and outpatient rehab treatment at more than 3,600 locations.

Since the exact coverage can vary greatly from one policy to another, it’s critically important to follow the necessary procedures for UnitedHealthcare drug rehab coverage when it comes to making a claim or arranging for drug or alcohol rehab treatment.

Each policy is unique, and therefore, some limitations may apply. This could mean, that the full cost of treatment may be covered, or just a portion of services, such as detox, inpatient, or outpatient treatment, based on the terms of your specific benefits package. Members with a comprehensive plan usually have the full cost covered or only have a small deductible to pay. 

Prior approval may be necessary and a referral from your primary care provider might be needed. To find out about the details surrounding your particular policy, contact Granite Mountain to verify your insurance today.

Does UnitedHealthcare Need to be In-Network?

Most people assume that they have to get treatment from an in-network addiction treatment center. In-network means that health care facilities are part of a health plan’s network of providers. Your provider has negotiated a contracted rate with your health insurance company.

Truth is, that rehab facilities do not necessarily have to be in-network, but it is more beneficial if it is. Individuals should definitely check with their UnitedHealthcare insurance company to get accurate information about what type of coverage is best for them. If your policy requires out-of-network coverage, it may result in more out-of-pocket expenses for you. Again, it’s highly possible that using an in-network treatment facility may prove to be a more affordable option. 

About Coverage For Detoxification

The first step in treating an addiction is going through a period called detox. This is where a person experiences withdrawal symptoms as their body rid itself of any remaining toxins and chemicals associated with the substance that is being abused. The withdrawal symptoms are often uncomfortable and can result in major complications and even death if not done properly with professional medical help. 

It is incredibly important that you detox in a medically supervised environment, which is something that UnitedHealthcare insurance will cover you for. Their OptumHealth business policy does include detox. It is best to contact UnitedHealthcare directly or to ask the rehab center that you are considering to do it for you. This will all be done confidentially and at no cost or obligation to you.

How UnitedHealthcare Covers Your Treatment

After you have detoxed, it will be time for you to rehabilitate. This is a treatment process that focuses on a range of issues, particularly:

  • Determining why you became addicted in the first place
  • Solving the issues that are at the heart of the problem
  • Developing strategies that allow you to manage trigger situations in which you would usually have turned to substance abuse
  • Being able to talk about your problems and current situation with counselors, family members, and peers

There is a wide range of different therapies that are commonly used during the rehab process. Treatment methods vary from one client to the next and are based on an initial assessment that helps determine the best course of action that will help achieve long-term sobriety. Some of the components of the treatment process can include:

  • Individual therapy sessions
  • Daily meditation
  • Medication management and education
  • Family therapy sessions
  • CrossFit and yoga fitness groups
  • Acupuncture
  • Group therapy sessions
  • Recovery meetings (i.e. Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous)

Clients with UnitedHealthcare rehab coverage receive the foundation necessary to achieve recovery and regain a healthy and satisfying life.

Some of this treatment may be covered by UnitedHealthcare depending on your plan. Exactly what percentage is covered will vary. Furthermore, it is likely that they will put limitations in place on how long you can remain under treatment. Call UnitedHealthcare or your rehab facility for more information. 

 

UnitedHealthcare Covers Inpatient Treatment

Many UnitedHealthcare plans also provide coverage for long-term addiction treatment needs, such as inpatient and outpatient treatment centers.

Inpatient Rehab Programs:

Inpatient rehab, also known as residential treatment, is considered to be the most comprehensive and intense form of treatment. Many UnitedHealthcare plans will partially cover inpatient treatment services. Depending on your plan’s policy, there may be additional out-of-pocket expenses.

In an inpatient treatment program, clients reside at a rehab center for a specified length of time. During their stay, patients may require detoxification and medication-assisted treatment. Most inpatient treatment centers also offer a range of recovery therapies. 

UnitedHealthcare offers coverage for many inpatient programs, but these may require an authorization, meaning specific documentation that details a patient’s level of need. In other words, UnitedHealthcare may ask doctors to verify a policyholder’s level of addiction, and whether they have any other underlying factors. 

 

Costs and Services at Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient treatment can be a helpful option for UnitedHealthcare policyholders who:

  • Have a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder such as anxiety or PTSD
  • Do not have a solid support system
  • Do not currently have access to a safe, substance-free home environment
  • Do not live near viable outpatient treatment centers

It’s important not to let the costs of treatment deter you from getting the help you deserve. Therefore, it is important to mention, that there’s a wide range of alternative methods to help with addiction treatment expenses outside of what your insurance will cover. However, for those whose insurance policy is in-network, the types of treatment available depending on your location and other varying factors. Here are some of the largest plans offered by United insurance:  

  • UnitedHealthcare Choice Plans: These plans are some of the lowest-priced options. They do have some restrictions on use. For example, policyholders must use service providers within the network available through the insurer. If you seek care outside of these providers, you may pay more for the coverage.
  • UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Plans: This enhanced plan offers the same coverage as the Choice plans but also allows individuals to seek care from out-of-network providers. If you have this coverage, you may be able to choose from a larger pool of providers but will cost you more out of pocket.
  • UnitedHealthcare HSAs: Those who maintain a health savings account can use UnitedHealthcare HSAs for their medical needs. You contribute a portion of your income to the account and can use the funds for any approved medical needs. An HSA account gives you more options. 
  • UnitedHealthcare HMO Plans: UnitedHealthcare has various HMO plans, such as Advantage, Alliance, Focus, and Signature, which offer coverage for drug and alcohol addiction.
  • UnitedHealthcare PPO Plans: Coverage through PPO plan, allow people to seek drug and alcohol rehabilitation if they have the Core, Navigate or Select plans.

As a comprehensive health insurance provider, UnitedHealthcare’s policies provide a variety of policies. The policy you have determines the amount and type of coverage available to you and the steps you need to take to get drug rehab and inpatient care

UnitedHealthcare for Mental Health Treatment

UnitedHealthcare offers Behavioral Health benefits, which include coverage for addiction treatment as well as mental health care. Policyholders can receive counseling, which can help them to deal with mental and behavioral health problems. 

In many cases, people who have substance use disorders also suffer from mental illness. This is called a dual diagnosis or a co-occurring disorder. The most common forms include, but are not limited to:

  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Eating disorders
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 
  • Bipolar Disorder

Those who are living with co-occurring disorders can get the support and guidance they need through a professional treatment program. UnitedHealthcare plan holders can access this assistance through their Behavioral Health benefits. Keep in mind, however, that the insurance company may require a copay and/or pre-authorization.

 

Helping You Understand Your UnitedHealthcare Benefits 

The cost of drug and alcohol rehab is always one of the most important determining factors for people seeking treatment. It can also be one of the most stressful and time-consuming factors, especially when you’re faced with the challenge of determining what your medical insurance will or won’t cover.

We also recognize that getting you or your loved one into treatment right away is of the utmost importance and waiting can be the difference between life and death. At Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare, our staff is prepared to help, by providing a fast and easy insurance verification process so you or your loved one can get the treatment they need right away.

Don’t let the challenge of understanding your UnitedHealthcare medical benefits intimidate you and keep you from getting sober, and starting a life of new and improved beginnings. Our experienced staff is here to help you sort through the jargon and provide clear solutions. 

The Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare Services Promise

At Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare, we understand those suffering from addiction and substance abuse. Therefore, we strive to help our patients receive the best high-quality care for their specific needs. Our specialists understand that everyone is different, and therefore, treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach. 

We promise to find each of our patients the right comprehensive treatment plan to treat all of their needs effectively. If you are feeling burdened by something, such as finances, and it is stopping you or a loved one from finding treatment, know that help is always available no matter what. Contact us today to learn more about addiction treatment with UnitedHealthcare insurance.