If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, you may be wondering what your options are for seeking affordable alcohol rehab. Fortunately, if you have UnitedHealthcare insurance, your alcohol rehab may be partially or fully covered under your plan. This means you can get affordable, quality care at little to no cost to you. Learn more about UnitedHealthcare plans and their coverage below.

What Is UnitedHealthcare?

UnitedHealth Group—which is comprised of UnitedHealthcare and Optum—has provided health care coverage and benefits offerings for nearly 40 years. One of the largest insurers and health groups in the United States and the world, it offers plans in all 50 states and 130 different countries.1 In the United States alone, nearly 28 million Americans are covered by a UHC plan.

Every UHC plan varies in depth of coverage. Before seeking treatment for alcohol rehab, it’s important to verify your plan’s details and coverage with a UHC representative. This will allow you to better estimate what your costs for undergoing alcohol rehab may be.

Does UnitedHealthcare Cover Alcohol Treatment?

Like many other health plans, UnitedHealthcare typically provides coverage for alcohol treatment in some capacity. However, because every plan is different, it’s important to verify your benefits before entering treatment.

In most cases, UnitedHealthcare’s substance abuse coverage will depend upon the member’s plan, their provider, and their prescribed course of treatment. It will also depend on whether the facility or provider is in-network or out-of-network.

Consider discussing treatment coverage with your insurer after you’ve talked to a facility counselor about how many days of rehab you may need. You can verify your benefits by calling the number on the back of your insurance card.

You can check your insurance coverage instantly by filling out the form below.

Is UnitedHealthcare Accepted Everywhere?

As one of the largest insurance companies in the world, UnitedHealthcare is accepted by providers at many locations. However, it is not accepted at all. You will need to confirm coverage with both your insurance provider and facility to ensure that your insurance will be accepted.

Another thing to note is whether your chosen facility or provider is an in- or out-of-network provider. If it is an in-network provider, your UnitedHealthcare plan would be accepted and you could submit claims to insurance. If it is an out-of-network provider, you may not receive coverage for your healthcare claims. Any coverage you do have will be lower than what you’ll receive for working with an in-network provider.

As always, be sure to verify your benefits with your treatment facility or your insurance company before seeking treatment.

UnitedHealthcare Plans and Coverage Levels

A variety of UnitedHealthcare plans are available. Each varies in design and coverage, and cost-sharing requirements will vary as well. The 3 most common UHC plans are: 2, 3, 4, 5

  • UHC Choice: This is a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan in which you receive the highest amount of coverage for in-network care. UHC’s network includes more than 895,000 providers nationwide. With UHC Choice plans, there is no coverage for out-of-network providers.
  • UHC Choice Plus: This plan tier provides all the same benefits as UHC Choice plans, but offers a little more flexibility in coverage. While it is generally cheaper to obtain care through UHC’s network of providers, Choice Plus plans provide some coverage for out-of-network providers.
  • UHC Options PPO: This plan operates like a traditional PPO plan. It offers higher coverage amounts and lower cost-sharing requirements for care obtained at an in-network provider, and lower coverage for out-of-network care.

UHC also sponsors Medicare plans. If you are a retiree, you may qualify for a Medicare Advantage plan, Medicare Part D, or Medicare supplement plans through UHC.6 If you’re a veteran, you may be able to obtain an Optum health plan through the Department of Veterans Afairs.7 Be sure to check directly with UHC to see whether you’re eligible to enroll in these additional plans.

For more information about your specific UHC plan, be sure to contact UnitedHealthcare directly. They should be able to provide you with an explanation of benefits and a detailed summary of benefits and coverage.

How to Pay For What Insurance Doesn’t Cover

In some cases, your UHC plan may not cover all or part of your treatment, so you may be responsible for paying for treatment costs out-of-pocket. However, you should talk with admissions staff and counselors about a payment plan or any additional financing options. Some facilities may even provide a scholarship opportunity to help eligible people get the care they need.

Don’t let cost become a barrier to your recovery. Options are available to receive affordable care, even if your insurance doesn’t cover all or part of your treatment—you just need to ask.

Not sure if your insurance covers alcohol treatment?

Check your insurance coverage or text us your questions for more information.

Verify Your UnitedHealthcare Benefits

It’s always a good idea to verify your health insurance benefits before entering treatment so that you can avoid surprise high out-of-pocket costs. You can either call the number on the back of your insurance card or visit the UnitedHealthcare website. Be sure to have your card handy so that you can provide your plan information and receive accurate information regarding your drug and alcohol rehab coverage.

How to Check Your UnitedHealthcare Coverage for Alcohol Rehab

In addition to calling UnitedHealthcare or visiting their website, you also ask American Addiction Centers (AAC) to check your UHC coverage for you. UHC plans typically cover AAC facilities as in-network providers, which means you may be able to receive treatment at little to no out-of-pocket cost. And, since there are AAC facilities all over the country, location doesn’t have to be a barrier to your treatment.

AAC facilities specialize in offering treatment for co-occurring and substance abuse disorders. To learn more and to verify your UHC coverage, call (866) 202-7707. You can also check your insurance by filling out the form above.

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