While rates of illicit drug abuse among active-duty service members of the armed forces are fairly low, it is not uncommon for retired military officers to struggle with substance addiction. A substantial portion of veterans develop a substance abuse disorder as a consequence of traumatic events they experienced in the line of duty.1

The number one substance abuse disorder that affects veterans is alcohol abuse. However, frequently, retired military officers struggle simultaneously with alcohol and drugs, which makes treatment solutions all the more complex and difficult to provide.2

A significant number of veterans who were injured in the line of duty become addicted to prescription opioids, used initially for pain-relief, and later move on to abusing illicit opioids, which are more easily attainable and come at a cheaper price.1

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Alcohol and Drug Dependence Rehabilitation Program provides various types of therapy to veterans who meet the criteria of eligibility, including therapy options for VA spouses seeking help for alcohol and drug dependency. VA programs may include social, vocational, medical, and rehabilitation therapies with different forms of treatment, such as detoxification, rehabilitation, and psychiatric care.3

What are VA Benefits for Spouses?

VA health benefits cover the costs of various mental health services, including the treatment of substance abuse disorders (SUDs). To become eligible for the Veterans Alcohol and Drug Dependence Rehabilitation Program, a veteran must enroll in the VA health care system or qualify for it based on certain criteria defined by the law.4 

Family members of active-duty, retired, or deceased service members may also qualify for VA benefits if they meet the program’s eligibility requirements. At the time of applying for their own disability compensation, a veteran may also file a claim for a dependent to receive additional compensation. The dependant may also be added to the disability compensation plan at a later time.4

VA spouse benefits entail a variety of services and ways of financial assistance to the spouses of veterans who have been disabled, killed in action, or deceased in any other way while serving in the armed forces. Elderly or surviving spouses of veterans qualify for VA benefits if their partner’s disability level is rated at 30% or more by the Department of Veterans Affairs. 4

Is Rehab Treatment (Addiction Treatment) for Spouses Covered by VA?

Veterans who qualify for the VA benefits program are entitled to add dependents, such as spouses, children, parents and caregivers to their benefits program. In some cases, the VA will also cover the expenses of addiction treatment for veteran spouses.5

Substance abuse disorders are a recognized medical condition for which the VA may provide disability benefits. However, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers addiction treatment coverage for veterans and their spouses only in the case they are able to prove the condition is in direct correlation to their service in the armed forces.6

What Benefits Can Veterans’ Spouses Receive?

The veteran benefits offered through the VA program are diverse. They cover mental and physical health care for veterans and their families (dependants), but, in some cases, VA benefit users may also become eligible to receive disability support through monthly payments.4

In order for a VA spouse to join the VA benefits program, they must prove themselves eligible by meeting certain requirements. If they qualify, treatment for substance abuse disorders may be provided through the TRICARE program. If they do not meet the eligibility criteria for TRICARE, veteran spouses may apply for health insurance through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA).7,8 

The CHAMPVA program offers benefits for the spouses of deceased military officers who died in service, or the spouses of disabled veterans. The program offers partial coverage of the costs of healthcare services and medical supplies. Mental health care is included in the program, and as part of it, the treatment for substance abuse as well.8

Veterans Spouse Benefits Eligibility for Substance Abuse Treatment

If a veteran has been approved for disability benefits due to an injury or illness sustained or aggravated in the line of duty, their spouse may become eligible for substance abuse treatment. In order to qualify for additional disability compensation for their spouses and other family members, veterans are required to have a combined disability rate of no less than 30%.6

Spouses of Disabled Veterans

Spouses of disabled veterans may qualify to receive a variety of VA benefits. Some of these include:9

  • Insurance coverage.
  • Health care.
  • Disability compensation.
  • Survivors’ benefits.
  • Employee services.
  • Funding for training and education.

Surviving Spouses

The range of privileges and advantages offered to qualified individuals through VA benefits programs is fairly broad. Some of the main VA benefits for a surviving spouse may include:9

  • Programs for disability in connection to Veterans services.
  • Access to the TRICARE program provided by the Department of Defense.
  • CHAMPVA health care program.

Divorced Spouses

If they meet certain prerequisites, former VA spouses are entitled to the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) for a period of up to three years after their veteran ex-partner has been discharged from the service.10

The CHCBP program is at its core a TRICARE version of Continuation of Health Coverage (COBRA). To be able to remain qualified for CHCBP, a divorced veteran spouse must be granted a share of military retirement and must remain unmarried during the course of three years.10

Is VA Insurance Accepted Only by In-Network Rehab Centers?

To provide comprehensive medical care to veterans, the VA maintains a network of rehab centers country-wide. To be referred to one of the in-network VA rehab centers, a veteran must pay a visit to their primary care physician or a medical specialist within the Veterans Affairs health system. The VA requires all in-network rehab centers to follow particular guidelines and maintain a standard of quality in providing veterans with the care specific to their needs.11

Those who qualify for VA health benefits are entitled to a wide array of services to improve their mental and physical well-being. One of the advantages of an in-network rehab center is, as with any other form of insurance, the fact that the services provided in-network are more affordable than outside the insurance provider’s network.11

Two of American Addiction Centers’ rehab facilities specializing in veteran care pride themselves in being part of the VA network. These are, namely, Recovery First, located in Hollywood, Florida and Desert Hope in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Types of Addiction Treatment Covered by VA Health Benefits

Some of the types of addiction treatment and services covered by VA health benefits include:12

  • Medically supervised and medication-assisted detox to help patients go through the withdrawal period with little to no discomfort.
  • Short-term inpatient treatment for patients who don’t require constant medical supervision for longer than a month.
  • Long-term inpatient treatment for individuals who are in need of intensive therapy and supervised care in hospital surroundings over the course of several months. 
  • Partial Hospitalization (PHP) programs in which the patients spend the day in therapy in a hospital environment, but don’t stay overnight.
  • Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) in which the patients commonly spend no less than nine hours in therapy sessions individually, in groups or in family counseling.
  • Outpatient treatment programs which typically require the patient to attend individual or group therapy sessions on a weekly basis.
  • Aftercare support to minimize the chances of relapse and ensure a lasting treatment outcome. Aftercare may be provided through various forms of activities, such as support groups, counseling and drug testing.

Do VA Health Benefits Cover the Costs of Mental Health Treatment?

Veterans often suffer from various mental health disorders coexisting with their substance abuse issues. This is commonly referred to as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. VA health benefits provide insurance coverage for dual diagnosis if the patient’s psychological disorder is directly connected to their service in the military.12

The coverage for mental health disorders includes mental health issues that commonly affect members of the military forces. These disorders may include PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder and others.13

How Much of the Rehab Cost Will VA Health Benefits Cover?

Veterans who seek professional help for their substance abuse issues often rely on their insurance to cover the costs of treatment. It’s important to note that VA benefits only cover these costs if the illness or injury are determined to be directly caused by the individual’s service in the military.4

For many retired military officers in financial difficulties, covering for addiction treatment through private pay options is often not possible. However, if a person is approved by the VA to use their health benefits, their treatment expenses will be covered by the VA partially or in full.11

The costs of treatment may vary greatly depending on the type of treatment an individual needs. For instance, inpatient treatment for substance abuse disorders tends to be more expensive than outpatient options. However, inpatient treatment also tends to be more effective and more likely to provide a positive and lasting outcome, especially in the initial stages of patient care, when a medically supervised detox is needed.12

Going through the stages of withdrawal without medical supervision and assistance can be life-threatening, whereas it’s generally safe under the care of a health professional and with the assistance of medication in a secure environment that rehab facilities provide.14

What Can I Do If the VA Does Not Cover Substance Abuse Treatment?

A prolonged misuse of potentially addictive substances such as alcohol and drugs can lead to a substance abuse disorder. Substance abuse disorders are characterized by a compulsive urge to use any given substance, despite the user experiencing harmful consequences to their physical and mental well-being. Attending a rehabilitation program, or being admitted to a rehab facility which operates in accordance with the principles of effective treatment, may help patients with addiction problems overcome their addiction and gain control over it.12

In order to cover the costs of treatment, which are typically substantial, many veterans depend on their eligibility for the VA benefits program. VA insurance coverage options, such as the TRICARE program, enable these patients to access certain types of treatment for substance abuse disorders.7

In the case that the needs of the patient seeking help do not qualify for VA insurance coverage, it’s essential for the patient to know what other options they have at their disposal. For many veterans, a practical solution could be to seek help through privately or publicly funded rehab facilities. Some private health care providers offer a variety of treatment plans to accommodate the needs of those who are financially challenged. For instance, some facilities may offer sliding-scale fees or repayment plans.11

The costs of addiction treatment vary greatly depending on the type and scope of treatment itself, as well as the type of amenities that are offered within. Private rehab facilities may offer a wider range of treatment services than publicly-funded ones, but they also come at a higher cost.11

It’s possible for veterans to get in touch with community health centers, local or state behavioral agencies, or nonprofit organizations that offer mental health care support or substance abuse treatment solutions. Some of these organizations may offer sliding-fee scales for veterans or provide addiction treatment options completely free of charge.11

If you are a veteran concerned that you might not fulfill the eligibility requirements for VA insurance, one of the best ways to get acquainted with all the options and possibilities may be to contact one of the specialized 24-hour addiction helplines. These helplines are specifically designed to guide you through your options and provide reliable information on where to get help that best compliments your or your loved one’s needs.11

How Can I Apply for Veterans’ Spouse Benefits?

The VA offers two options for veterans’ spouses and family members to submit an application for benefits:6

  • At the same time of their first application, a veteran applicant is entitled to request additional compensation for their dependents. 
  • If a veteran is already using the benefits and has a combined disability rating of no less than 30%, all of their dependents automatically meet the conditions of eligibility for VA benefits.

Where to Find VA Benefits Insurance Rehab Coverage

Through the VA health benefits program, veterans are offered an array of benefits, including insurance coverage for mental and physical healthcare services and monthly disability payments. Veterans and their dependents may equally qualify for the benefits the VA offers. 

Before making a decision on a treatment facility or program, it’s crucial to check your insurance coverage levels and readily available in-network care providers. You can get all the key information you need by contacting a trusted addiction treatment provider, such as American Addiction Centers.

Whether you are exploring options for alcohol addiction treatment or wondering if your insurance plan will cover the costs of rehab, a specialized representative of the American Addiction Centers can help you get the answers to all of your addiction treatment related questions.

At American Addiction Centers, veterans are offered treatment options covered by VA benefits and other health insurance plans. It is possible to choose from a variety of treatment programs, whether you are thinking of initiating your alcohol recovery through medically assisted detoxification, looking to enter a 30-day alcohol rehab program, or struggling with any other form of substance abuse disorder.

Frequently Asked Questions