United Healthcare provides insurance plans to millions of individuals throughout the U.S. From short-term health insurance to employer insurance, student health coverage, and individual plans, United Healthcare has an insurance plan for everyone at various stages of life. Many of their plans include coverage for alcohol rehab.
In this guide, you’ll learn which type of addiction treatment (such as alcohol treatment) might be covered and the potential costs for various services.
Does United Healthcare Insurance Coverage Include Addiction Treatment?
Yes, many United Healthcare insurance plans cover a portion or all of the costs of addiction treatment. However, the Short Term Medical Value plan does not cover addiction treatment.
United Healthcare’s insurance plans for behavioral health services typically have a 20% to 30% deductible that must be met until the insurance begins to cover alcohol rehab costs. Additionally, some plans have a maximum amount that will be covered by United Healthcare for addiction treatment (for example, $3,000), so it’s important to note what those maximum amounts are before purchasing an insurance plan.
Some United Healthcare plans cover some or all of the below addiction treatment services:
- Assessments and Screenings
- Psychiatric Evaluation and Management
- Detoxification (Detox)
- Inpatient Treatment
- Residential Treatment
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- Outpatient Treatment (OT)
- Group Therapy
- Individual Therapy
- Medical Evaluation and Management
- Wellness and Prevention Services
Any medication costs during substance abuse treatment programs require a separate deductible amount to be met, depending on your specific health insurance coverage.
Does United Healthcare Cover Out-Of-Network Treatment?
United Healthcare insurance plans might include out-of-network addiction treatment benefits. If they are covered, the out-of-pocket costs for treatment services included under United Healthcare plans will most likely be covered since they are out-of-network. If you are unsure whether your plan will cover the costs associated with alcohol rehab or which facility will be in-network or out-of-network with a United Healthcare insurance plan, contact our rehab advisors. We are here to help you navigate your policy while maximizing your plan’s benefits and minimizing your out-of-cost expenses.
How Many Rehab Stays Will UnitedHealthcare Health Insurance Cover?
The exact number of addiction treatment center stays that United Healthcare will cover will depend on your specific plan and its insurance benefits. If you are seeking treatment and have questions related to your United Healthcare coverage for alcohol treatment and/or mental health care substance abuse treatment, contact our rehab advisors. We are here to help.
Inpatient Treatment Coverage with United Healthcare
The following inpatient rehab services might be covered, depending on your United Healthcare insurance plan:
- Screenings and Assessments
- Psychiatric Evaluations
- Individual Therapies
- Medical Examination and Treatment
- Detoxification (Detox)
- Inpatient Rehab Stay
- Aftercare Services
Outpatient Treatment Coverage with United Healthcare
The following outpatient rehab services might be covered, depending on your United Healthcare insurance plan:
- Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
- Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
- Group Therapy
- Individual Therapy
- Psychiatric Evaluation and Management
- Assessments and Screenings
Which Types of Insurance Plans Are Available Through United Healthcare?
The exact types of plans available through United Healthcare and United Behavioral Health will depend on several factors, including your state of residence, employer (if your insurance is obtained through your employer) vs an individual plan purchased through the Affordable Care Act, whether or not any family members are also on your plan, and qualification for healthcare funded by the government such as Medicaid and Medicare.
United Healthcare offers various insurance plans in the categories of Bronze, Silver, or Gold. Bronze plans have the lowest premium amounts but receive the least amount of coverage when it comes to medical treatment, including addiction treatment. Coverage often will include inpatient and outpatient treatment services, with members responsible for 20 to 50 percent coinsurance after the deductible is met.
Silver plans have a higher premium amount but provide more coverage. They often include inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment coverage, ranging from 20 to 25 percent of coinsurance after the deductible is met.
Gold plans have the highest premium costs but offer the highest amount of coverage, including inpatient and outpatient treatment, and members are often responsible for minimal coinsurance amounts after the deductible is met.
The above are estimates, and the exact costs and coverage details will vary depending on your location and the specific plans selected.
The deductible amounts and co-pay amounts are highest for bronze plans and lowest for gold plans. Most of United Healthcare’s insurance plans do have copays for services, which will vary depending on the specific plan you select. Outpatient services are included in many plans. It’s important to review your insurance documents carefully before enrolling in a plan.
Short Term health insurance is also offered by United Healthcare and caters to individuals who need flexible, fast coverage quickly (such as those who are between jobs or unable to apply for coverage through the Affordable Care Act). However, a Short Term plan might not provide addiction treatment.
Will Receiving Treatment at a Alcohol Rehab Facility Cause My Insurance Premium to Increase?
No. It is illegal for any insurance provider within the U.S. to increase insurance premium rates as a result of receiving treatment at an alcohol rehab facility.
Do I Need a Referral From My Primary Care Physician To Receive Substance Abuse Treatment?
Yes, you might need a referral from your PCP to receive coverage for services provided at an addiction treatment facility, for both inpatient and outpatient services. If you have found an alcohol rehab facility and need to know if they accept United Healthcare insurance, contact United Healthcare’s member services team.
Addiction Resources with United Healthcare
United Healthcare provides its members with access to a 24/7 United Healthcare Substance Abuse Helpline. Members receive guidance and professional treatment advice from a healthcare professional on substance abuse treatment options, assistance finding a network provider, and answers to questions such as specific addiction treatment costs and coverage. United Healthcare also provides members with access to its Sanvello® app, helping individuals cope with anxiety, stress, and depression through tools such as meditation. The on-demand app also includes features such as mood tracking, weekly check-ins, and peer community support.
Affordable Care Act and Behavioral Health Treatment
If you’re worried about how you will pay for addiction treatment coverage, know that the Affordable Care Act made it mandatory for insurance companies to provide coverage for alcohol addiction treatment and other mental health conditions. As a result, you might have improved access to behavioral health treatment. This includes Medicaid, Medicare, private coverage, military insurance, and state health insurance.
For assistance selecting an alcohol rehab facility that meets your needs, contact us.
