Does Medicaid Cover Drug Rehab in Arizona?

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Getting Accredited Recovery Support at Catalina Using AHCCCS

Research in recent decades has shown one thing about drug use – it is an epidemic. Overdose deaths from opioids are at an all-time high and even after treatment, many substance abuse clients relapse without proper support and ongoing care from their treatment center.

At Catalina, we offer hope and a firm foundation for a new life, free from addiction!

Once you have decided that you are ready to seek help for addiction, something like wondering “Does Medicaid cover drug rehab in Arizona?” should not stand in your way.

Fortunately, Catalina Behavioral Health’s rehab programs are in-network for many Arizona Medicaid recipients. Catalina also works with other private and public health insurance companies, making it easier to get the help you need.

Below, we will answer some of the most common questions regarding Medicaid benefits and drug rehab, and how to get proven, evidence-based care if you are an Arizona resident with AHCCCS!

Does Medicaid Cover Drug Rehab?

The short answer is that, yes, Medicaid covers drug rehab. All health insurance plans, including public offerings like Medicaid or AHCCCS, are required to offer substance abuse treatment services, outpatient mental health treatment, and inpatient treatment for mental and behavioral health.

In 2008, the federal government put the Affordable Care Act into place that established essential health benefits like these.

Additional legislation regarding behavioral and mental health services was passed in 2008. Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, barriers to treatment (like needing pre-authorization) cannot be more challenging than barriers to treatment for physical ailments.

Insurance providers must offer the same standard of treatment for mental and behavioral health services that they would for physical medical assistance.

Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment Covered by Medicaid?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, dual diagnosis treatment is more effective for individuals with co-occurring disorders such as bipolar or severe depression. Dual-diagnosis rehab programs focus on treating substance use disorder as well as mental health conditions.

Co-occurring disorders are common in people struggling with substance abuse. Alcohol and drug abuse makes certain mental health conditions more likely. Additionally, some individuals struggle with mental health before using drugs and alcohol. They may even turn to substances as a way to escape their problems in the form of self-medication to numb and avoid feelings.

At Catalina, we offer Joint Commission Accredited programs for mental health clients, as well as programs for those with dual diagnoses, all aimed at addressing the underlying causes of drug and alcohol use.

Is Court-Ordered Rehab Covered by AHCCCS?

Yes, court-ordered rehabilitation services are covered by Arizona Medicaid in many cases. In instances where drug or alcohol addiction contributes to legal problems, a judge may order rehab or other stipulations instead of jail time. This is meant to provide a solution to alcohol or drug addiction problems, rather than punishing someone who might need help.

Court-ordered rehab is especially beneficial when it is used for early intervention. While addiction affects people of all ages, the younger population is most likely to benefit from addiction treatment.

And you may not realize that insurance companies also benefit from younger individuals getting treatment for substance use disorders. They will not have to pay as much money in the future for individuals who overcome addiction, especially with the number of health conditions associated with substance use over a lifetime.

What Other Mental and Behavioral Health Services Are Covered by AHCCCS?

Under the ACA or Affordable Care Act, all behavioral and mental health services must be covered by marketplace insurance programs. This includes residential treatment, outpatient treatment, case management, medication, individual and group therapy, and more.

At Catalina, our caring staff helps clients craft an individual addiction treatment plan using several evidence-based treatment services and therapies. Essentially, evidence-based addiction treatment involves combining different therapies, helping clients build life skills, learning to combat addiction, getting involved in recreational activities, and learning about healthier lifestyle habits.

By combining proven strategies like these, as well as our consistent trauma-informed approach at Catalina, there is a better chance of achieving long-term sobriety from drugs and alcohol.

How to Find Out if Treatment Centers Accept Medicaid

While there cannot be spending limits imposed on drug and alcohol treatment, clients may need to seek help at an approved treatment facility. Finding out which facilities accept Medicaid can be tricky, especially if you aren’t sure exactly which insurance plan you have.

Fortunately, by calling Catalina Behavioral Health directly, you can have insurance verified over the phone. From there, we’ll discuss options for substance abuse treatment which might include inpatient rehab, mental health treatment, outpatient services, and other drug and alcohol programs.

Deciding on an Addiction Treatment Plan: Levels of Care

Once AHCCCS is verified, an intake appointment or drug and alcohol assessment may follow. In either of these cases, you will work with an addiction specialist who will recommend treatment. Many people have greater success preventing relapse when combining inpatient services with outpatient services.

Does Medicaid Cover Drug Rehab in Arizona? Inpatient Treatment Options

Individuals going through active addiction may consider inpatient rehab. Catalina provides a safe place and private rooms where clients can detox safely. There is also medical staff available around the clock to help manage withdrawal symptoms and provide other medical assistance.

As clients go through the detox process, they also enjoy recreational activities, receive mental health counseling, and attend group therapy. The specifics of each program, however, are tailored to the individual using a combination of evidence-based practices with the hope that it results in a better outcome and long-term sobriety.

Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab Services

Clients can also consider outpatient treatment services, either instead of inpatient rehab or to provide support after completing an addiction treatment program. Intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization programs last several hours each week, stretched between different days. These provide more support than peer groups, but allow you to keep commitments to school, work, and your family life.

Aftercare and Ongoing Peer Support Options

Other outpatient services include mental health treatment, including psychiatry and individual therapy, case management, and group services. Many people also find that support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous are helpful once they leave drug and alcohol rehab.

Groups like these are useful for developing social skills, and alternatives like Dharma Recovery and SMART Recovery offer complements or alternatives for those who would prefer a non-12-step methodology.

They are also a great place to discuss struggles you may be having with sobriety or stresses in your life. While everyone’s story is different, many people in these groups will have experience with what you are going through.

Often, insurance coverage will pay for the cost of inpatient rehab in addition to follow-up services. Aftercare is especially important for individuals with addiction. Addiction is considered a chronic relapsing disorder because of its effects on the brain and how likely relapse is without the proper support after addiction treatment.

Call Catalina for more information on how these services can benefit you and whether Medicaid will cover treatment at our facility, as well as what level of care will best meet the needs of you or someone you love and are seeking support for.

Who is Eligible for Arizona Medicaid?

Medicaid coverage in Arizona is for residents of the state who meet certain federal guidelines and eligibility requirements. Applicants must be a US citizen. They must also meet poverty-level guidelines or other income requirements.

Families, individuals, and even people who receive supplemental security income (SSI) or social security disability (SSD) may also be qualified.

Is Medicaid in Arizona the Same as AHCCCS?

Yes, Arizona Medicaid coverage is the same as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Doctors, treatment centers, hospitals, and other medical specialists contract with AHCCCS to make quality health coverage more affordable for at-risk individuals.

Often, Arizona Medicaid is available to those who qualify with no extra associated costs or co-pays.

What Types of Medicaid Plans Are Available in Arizona?

Even though Medicaid coverage must include essential benefits, there are still options when choosing your Medicaid plan. Arizona Medicaid includes the Arizona Complete Care Plan, Banner Health, Care1st, Molina, Mercy Care, HealthChoice Arizona, United Healthcare, and others.

While you will have Medicaid, members choose one of these specific plans depending on the benefits that align best with the type of health care they need, as well as their county of residence within Arizona.

Fortunately, regardless of the plan you choose, all of these offer insurance coverage for drug and alcohol addiction treatment. This includes paying for admittance to an alcohol or drug rehab program, as well as outpatient services that will help you stay sober after completing residential treatment.

Does Catalina Behavioral Health Accept AHCCCS?

Yes, Catalina is an addiction treatment provider accepting many forms of AHCCCS in Arizona. By working with Medicaid patients, Catalina helps make quality alcohol and drug addiction treatment more accessible. Often, Medicaid clients find their treatment is covered without additional medical costs.

One of the major benefits of choosing Catalina is the focus on dual-diagnosis treatment. Individuals with mental illness occurring alongside substance use disorder can receive treatment for both medical conditions, resulting in a greater likelihood of success.

Additionally, Catalina will help you connect with outpatient care accessible through Medicaid coverage after treatment.

What if Medicaid Won’t Cover Alcohol or Drug Rehab in Arizona?

Millions of Americans in the general population have their lives affected by substance use disorder every day, including lower income level individuals insured by Medicaid. In most cases, Medicaid covers the cost of substance abuse disorder treatment.

There may be different rules for treatment coverage for individuals who have additional insurance coverage or dual eligibility for Medicaid and Medicare. Something like attending rehab several times with no effect may also change whether Medicaid will cover the cost of treatment.

Fortunately, even if you have trouble getting Medicaid to cover drug and alcohol rehab, there are options.

Appealing a Medicaid Denial of Drug Rehab

Even though addiction treatment and coverage are required as part of Arizona Medicaid, there are occasional cases where a person might have problems with medical coverage.

When filing an appeal, you are asking them to look at the case and decide whether you have coverage again. You can request an internal review (inside the department) or an external review (conducted by a third party).

In either case, there is a good chance of having substance use disorder treatment paid for if it is warranted. In the meantime, clients can consider alternative treatments to get started on the road to recovery sooner. These treatments may involve a variety of outpatient services. For individuals who have already attended rehab, taking advantage of outpatient resources can show your commitment to recovery. This can help make your case if you are going through the appeal process.

Does Medicaid Cover Alternative Types of Addiction Treatment?

Inpatient drug and alcohol rehab is not the only option for addiction treatment. Even if you are struggling with getting coverage for inpatient services, clients often find they have coverage for intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization programs, individual therapy, and peer support groups for addiction.

Catalina accepts most forms of AZ Medicaid for all these services and has facilities located conveniently in Tuscon. Plus, Catalina can work with you or your insurance to help arrange transportation to the facility, making it easier for you to keep your commitments and stay focused on treatment.

Use Arizona Medicaid for Our Proven Programs at Catalina

Medicaid benefits make quality medical care more accessible for low-income families and individuals. Catalina extends this accessibility by accepting many AHCCCS plans to serve lower-income communities and individuals.

However, we also work with many other types of public and private health coverage. Even if you are not sure if your Arizona insurance will cover rehab, call Catalina for more information now and get answers.

Our compassionate admissions staff will verify your health insurance over the phone, answer questions about Medicaid coverage, talk to you about treatment options, help arrange transportation to the facility, and connect you with other resources that make it easier to get effective addiction treatment.

You do have recovery options. Call Catalina to learn more, and get support today!

References

1. https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/co-occurring-disorders
2. https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage/mental-health-substance-abuse-coverage/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3674771/
4. https://www.azahcccs.gov/healthplans