If you’re a veteran struggling with addiction, there is help available through Veterans Affairs (VA) and programs dedicated specifically to vets. Most veterans are entitled to VA insurance (commonly known as VA benefits) to get the care you need. Your VA benefits cover many substance abuse treatment services at participating VA hospitals and facilities that partner with the VA.

Substance abuse programs that may be covered by your benefits include:3-1

  • Medication-assisted detox.
  • Inpatient treatment programs.
  • Outpatient treatment programs.
  • Group and individual therapy.
  • Continuing care and aftercare programs.

Depending on the level of care you need, some or all costs of treatment may be covered. Learn more about what the VA may cover and how you can use additional insurance to cover the cost of drug and alcohol addiction treatment.

Does VA Insurance Cover Mental Health and Co-Occurring Disorders?

Yes, mental health and co-occurring disorders are covered through VA insurance. You can access both mental health and substance addiction treatment with your VA benefits. Additionally, working with a treatment center that offers co-occurring disorder treatment can offer better outcomes in recovery. Treatment services that may be covered under your plan include:2

  • Inpatient or residential care.
  • Outpatient mental health counseling, including PTSD programs.
  • Sexual trauma treatment.
  • Psychosocial rehab and recovery treatment programs.
  • Suicide prevention programs.
  • Evidence-based psychotherapy counseling.

    • Not sure if your insurance covers alcohol treatment?

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

How Do I Get Addiction Treatment Through VA Insurance?

To get help for drug and/or alcohol addiction, you’ll need to be enrolled in the VA’s healthcare program. To sign up, go to the VA’s website and check your eligibility for VA healthcare benefits and see the steps on how to apply. It may take about a week before a decision is made regarding your application.

Once enrolled, you’ll work with your VA primary care provider to coordinate your addiction treatment plan and make an appointment with a mental health provider. If you don’t have a VA primary care provider, call the VA hotline at 877-222-8387 to talk to a representative about your needs. They can help you locate a nearby facility or find an approved treatment center if you don’t live near one.

Additionally, AlcoholRehab.com is a subsidiary of American Addiction Centers (AAC), a nationwide provider of addiction treatment centers. Our admissions navigators can help you figure out your VA benefits and assist you with any insurance questions you may have. Fill out the form to instantly verify your benefits and connect with us about your options.

What if I Have VA Insurance and Another Health Insurance Plan?

If you have more than one insurance plan you can use both your private insurance and your VA benefits when you begin treatment for substance abuse.3 Tell the intake coordinator the name and policy number for each insurance policy you have. That way, if something isn’t covered by one provider, the other one can kick in and take care of the payment.4 Having two insurance policies could help with copays as well.3

Additional Insurance Options for Veterans

Other insurance options that veterans may have include Medicare, Medicaid, and TriCare.

Medicare: Make sure to tell the insurance coordinator at the treatment facility if you have Medicare. Your VA benefits cover some things. Medicare Part A and Part B cover services provided at a non-VA facility.4 Medicare Part D is for prescription coverage, which the VA also provides.4

Medicaid: Medicaid is a federal health program available to low-income adults and families, pregnant women, the elderly, veterans, and people with disabilities. It often provides coverage at little to no-cost. However, the VA doesn’t bill Medicaid for services.

TriCare: Tricare is a private insurance program that offers coverage for active-duty service members, veterans, and their dependents.5 Additionally, it has recently expanded its mental health and substance abuse benefits for veterans.

Check Your VA Insurance Coverage

AlcoholRehab.com has made it easy to check your insurance benefits and take the guesswork out of knowing what is and isn’t covered. Fill out the form below to instantly verify your insurance benefits, or call us at to speak with our admissions navigators to discuss your treatment options.

We offer dedicated programs and housing to veterans in order for patients to be surrounded by their peers and feel comfortable sharing their similar life experiences with each other. We also offer treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression and anxiety.

Learn About Specific Insurance Providers

Sources:

[1]. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2020). Substance use treatment for Veterans.

[2]. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2015). Mental Health Care.

[3]. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2020). VA health care and other insurance.

[4]. AARP. (2012). Medicare and veterans’ health coverage.

[5]. TriCare. (n.d.). West Region States.