Should addiction counselling and treatment be covered by health insurance?
Often, drug use starts as a recreational activity but ends up as an addiction. With regular use, people addicted to substances may require even higher doses to feel normal. Withdrawal symptoms occur if they try to discontinue. It can also lead to an overdose or be overcome by suicidal thoughts.
How Can it Be Treated?
Treatment for alcohol or drug addiction involves rehabilitation for individuals who are heavily dependent on substances. These could be alcohol, marijuana, meth, cocaine, opioids, or heroin. A rehab facility helps the addicted person get over drug dependency. Treatment could be medical or psychotherapeutic.
Is Treatment Costly?
Rehabilitation and treatment can be expensive, if not covered by insurance. Some plans cover addiction treatment and rehabilitation. Cost also depends on the type of programme a person is being put in and the duration of treatment. While a doctor may suggest a set of treatments, insurance may not cover the full costs and the person may have to look for other finance options.
Addiction and Health Insurance
In the United States, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) states that individuals with conditions like drug addiction cannot be denied health insurance. It covers substance abuse under essential health benefits that insurers have to provide. This means that mental health care and treatment related to drug addiction are covered by insurers. However, the kind of treatment being offered may not be in line with what the individual needs. They may be pushed to settle for a lower-cost treatment.
Why Should Insurers Pay?
There are chances that addiction is chronic and prone to relapse. A person may not receive the right treatment and relapse into the cycle of addiction. It may be difficult for them to get help if the insurer does not offer full coverage for the treatment. Addiction often involves mental health issues and needs long-term counselling. It should be treated before it affects a person’s family or work life. The cost of treatment or the effect on a person’s quality of life may be much higher if timely intervention does not take place. Thus, health insurance must cover the cost to help individuals get the right treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What counts as a drug addiction?
A person is addicted to a drug when they are unable to control the use of a drug or alcohol. They become heavily dependent on the substance.
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Can you get rid of your addiction?
Drug addiction causes changes in the brain that make it tough to quit. However, addiction is treatable and a full recovery can be made.
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What is the first stage of addiction?
The first step to addiction is initiation when a person tries the drug for the first time, usually under peer influence or for recreation.
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What type of therapy is used for substance abuse?
Treatment typically involves behavioural therapy for rehabilitation. It may be supplemented by other techniques.
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Does health insurance in the US cover alcohol or drug rehab?
America’s Affordable Care Act states that insurers cannot deny treatment for mental health treatment or substance abuse rehabilitation. But the extent of coverage depends on the insurer, the state, and the treatment one requires.
