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Drug & Alcohol Rehab Covered by Medicaid

Medicaid is a government-funded health insurance program that offers coverage to millions of people across the United States. Medicaid is primarily for low-income adults, elderly adults, children, pregnant women, and people who have disabilities. In many cases, Medicaid coverage for rehab can fully or partially cover treatment for addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Understanding how Medicaid works, who is eligible, and how it can be used to cover some or all of the cost of treatment can be an important first step in achieving recovery.
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What Is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a federally funded, state-run program designed to connect people with limited resources and low-income people with healthcare.1  The program began in 1965 and has since provided healthcare services to hundreds of millions of people in the United States.2,3  Broad federal guidelines allow each state to create its own Medicaid eligibility standards, as well as set rates for the payment of services. 

Does Medicaid Cover Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment?

The Affordable Care Act requires that all major health insurance plans offer coverage for medically necessary substance use disorder treatment, as well as other types of mental health care. This means that Medicaid may provide some degree of coverage for treatment. Your specific coverage will depend on your state and your Medicaid plan.4 

Which Types of Addiction Treatment Does Medicaid Cover?

When you decide to enter treatment for substance use disorder, your treatment coordinator, admissions specialist, healthcare provider, or other care professional will talk with you about the type of treatment that’s the right fit for your needs. 

Medicaid may cover a variety of addiction treatment settings, including: 

  • Detox: During medical detox, your treatment team will work with you to help you through the withdrawal process, allowing you to fully prepare your mind and body for inpatient or outpatient treatment. Medical detox typically lasts for 3 to 5 days and may be completed on an inpatient or outpatient basis.5 
  • Inpatient or residential treatment: During inpatient treatment, you’ll live at the treatment facility with care available around the clock. Residential treatment can be ideal for those who require primary medical care, have co-occurring conditions or physical health conditions, and prefer the opportunity to get away from the stressors and triggers that hinder their recovery in daily life.5 
  • Outpatient rehab: There are several outpatient rehab formats that can support your recovery. Standard outpatient rehab offers appointments and meetings, often weekly. Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) offer treatment for several hours a day, several days a week. Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) typically offer care for 4 to 8 hours a day, 5 to 7 days each week.5 
  • Aftercare: Your treatment provider will work with you to develop an aftercare plan to help you manage your recovery. Your aftercare plan may include sober living, 12-Step meetings, counseling, and more.5 

How to Use Medicaid For Addiction Treatment & Rehab 

Since Medicaid requirements are determined by individual states, coverage can vary. If you’re interested in using your Medicaid coverage for alcohol rehab or drug rehab, it’s a good idea to start by reaching out to your Medicaid representative to learn more about rehab covered by Medicaid. 

Start Your Recovery 

If you or your loved one is struggling with substance use disorder, you are not alone. Thankfully, recovery is possible. To learn more about recovery facilities in your area, take a look at the recovery.org treatment directory. You’ll be able to explore the facilities in your area that accept Medicaid coverage for addiction treatment. 

Additionally, you may consider calling the American Addiction Centers treatment directory. Our staff can help answer questions about paying for treatment, and can help verify your insurance benefits. Don’t delay, call us today at to get started.  

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Rehabs That May Accept This Insurance

American Addiction Centers (AAC) owns and operates facilities at various locations nationwide to provide you or your loved one addiction and mental health care.
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