Treatment FAQ

why there’s a ‘chasm’ between families and insurance companies over addiction treatment

by Dr. Reed Braun Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How can mainstream health care and substance use disorder services work together?

A couple of reasons: One, there are shortages of mental health professionals in general, and particularly in certain parts of the country. Two, many mental health and substance use providers do not accept insurance because they do not get paid enough by insurance companies for their services. There is some hope to address network adequacy issues.

How should people with addictions use their insurance?

Services for the prevention and treatment of substance misuse and substance use disorders have traditionally been delivered separately from other mental health and general health care services. Because substance misuse has traditionally been seen as a social or criminal problem, prevention services were not typically considered a responsibility of health care systemsi; and people …

Who argues that alcoholism is a disease that should be treated?

Apr 04, 2022 · Talking to plan administrators is a great place to start, but remember that the staff of addiction treatment facilities can also be of vital help. In some cases, they can smooth the path to payment, so families have one less thing to worry over as they recover. Explore more information about insurance providers and rehab coverage below.

Why don’t mental health and substance use providers accept insurance?

Substance abuse costs our Nation over $600 billion annually and treatment can help reduce these costs. Drug addiction treatment has been shown to reduce associated health and social costs by far more than the cost of the treatment itself. Treatment is also much less expensive than its alternatives, such as incarcerating addicted persons. For example, the average cost for 1 full …

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What are 3 reasons why someone does not seek treatment for their addiction?

  • They weren't ready to stop using. ...
  • They couldn't afford it. ...
  • They didn't know where to get treatment. ...
  • They were afraid of what their neighbors might think. ...
  • They were afraid it might affect their job.
Oct 7, 2019

What is the most effective intervention for substance abuse?

CBT is often rated as the most effective approach to treatment with a drug and alcohol population.

What are the most important factors for a person seeking recovery from an addiction?

Maintenance of Psychological and Emotional Wellness.

There's a strong link that binds addiction, anxiety, and depression. Research shows that mental and emotional wellness are essential to a solid recovery program. Addressing the addiction without attending to any other dimensions of mental health is ineffective.
Dec 11, 2017

Is addiction considered a pre existing condition?

Under the ACA, addiction is no longer considered a pre-existing condition for insurance purposes.

What is the best psychological treatment for addiction?

Counseling is a mainstay of substance use disorder treatment for many people. Cognitive behavioral therapy, family counseling, and other types of therapy can help you stay clean. Psychotherapy can also treat other mental health conditions that often play a role in substance abuse.Dec 3, 2021

What is total abstinence?

Abstinence from alcohol involves completely avoiding intake of any alcohol and contrasts with controlled drinking that might help an alcohol addict to become a moderate and non-problematic drinker.Aug 12, 2021

What are the 5 stages of recovery?

The five stages of addiction recovery are precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance.
...
Read on to find out more about the various stages.
  • Precontemplation Stage. ...
  • Contemplation Stage. ...
  • Preparation Stage. ...
  • Action Stage. ...
  • Maintenance Stage.

What are the 10 guiding principles of recovery?

The 10 fundamental components of mental health recovery include the following principles:
  • Self-Direction. ...
  • Individualized and Person-Centered. ...
  • Empowerment. ...
  • Holistic. ...
  • Non-Linear. ...
  • Strengths-Based. ...
  • Peer Support. ...
  • Respect.

Why is hope important in recovery?

Hope Encourages Emotional Ownership

During the stages of early recovery, it can be hard to express the complex emotions we are experiencing, especially if the feelings seem contradictory or confusing. Speaking to our hope can help us express multiple emotions and acknowledge the full range of what we are feeling.

Does insurance pay for rehabilitation?

Health insurance typically covers substance abuse rehabilitation and various forms of mental health treatment.

Can I be denied insurance for depression?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) made it illegal for insurance companies to refuse you coverage for a pre-existing condition like depression, along with many other kinds of pre-existing conditions. This law applies to health plans that continue to follow ACA guidelines.

Is anxiety a pre-existing condition for insurance?

Protections for people with pre-existing conditions in the ACA go much further than prohibiting insurers from denying coverage. Not only do insurers have to offer coverage to people with common pre-existing conditions, like depression or anxiety, plans also have to cover treatment.Oct 8, 2020

Why do people with substance use disorders access the health care system?

But individuals with substance use disorders often do access the health care system for other reasons, including acute health problems like illness, injury, or overdose, as well as chronic health conditions such as HIV/AIDS, heart disease, or depression.

Why do people with substance use disorders not seek treatment?

It is known that most people with substance use disorders do not seek treatment on their own, many because they do not believe they need it or they are not ready for it, and others because they are not aware that treatment exists or how to access it. But individuals with substance use disorders often do access the health care system for other reasons, including acute health problems like illness, injury, or overdose, as well as chronic health conditions such as HIV/AIDS, heart disease, or depression. Thus, screening for substance misuse and substance use disorders in diverse health care settings is the first step to identifying substance use problems and engaging patients in the appropriate level of care.

Why is diversity important in health care?

Just as a diversity of health care settings is needed to meet the needs of patients , a diversity of health care professionals is also critical. Health care services can be delivered by a wide-range of providers including doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, psychologists, licensed counselors, care managers, social workers, health educators, peer workers, and others. With limited resources for prevention and treatment, matching patients to the appropriate level of care, delivered by the appropriate level of provider, is crucial for extending those resources to reach the most patients possible.

How does health IT help?

Use of Health IT is expanding to support greater communication and collaboration among providers, fostering better integrated and collaborative care, while at the same time protecting patient privacy. It also has the potential for expanding access to care, extending the workforce, improving care coordination, reaching individuals who are resistant to engaging in traditional treatment settings, and providing outcomes and recovery monitoring.

What is integrated care?

Integration. The systematic coordination of general and behavioral health care. Integrating services for primary care, mental health, and substance use-related problems together produces the best outcomes and provides the most effective approach for supporting whole-person health and wellness.3.

How does integration help with substance use?

Integrationcan help address health disparities, reduce health care costs for both patients and family members, and improve general health outcomes.

What is Chapter 6?

Chapter 6 Preview. Services for the prevention and treatment of substance misuse and substance use disorders have traditionally been delivered separately from other mental health and general health care services. Because substance misuse has traditionally been seen as a social or criminal problem, prevention services were not typically considered ...

Why should people with addictions use their insurance?

People with addictions and insurance should use their coverage to the fullest in order to get the care they need to leave addictions behind for good.

How to talk to an insurance administrator about addiction?

Talking to your insurance plan administrator by calling the number on the back of your insurance card is a great place to start.

What is the best insurance for substance abuse?

The two most common healthcare plans are HMO and PPO. Substance abuse treatment and recovery may be covered by your insurance provider. Learn more about which plan, HMO or PPO, offers the best coverage: 1 HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans allow patients to choose their primary care physician and see that doctor for most of their medical needs. This allows them to form a relationship with a doctor who knows their whole health history. When seeking a specialist or physician outside of the network, a referral is needed by your primary care physician. 1 HMOs have lower or no deductibles and overall coverage is usually a lower cost than PPO. 2 Pros of HMO coverage are for those that are not seeking a specialist and healthcare providers out of their network and paying lower premiums. 2 2 PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans allow patients to see healthcare providers in and out of their network without referrals. 3 PPOs can have higher deductibles than those with an HMO plan. 2 One of the pros of PPO coverage is having the option see specialists and other healthcare providers outside of your network without a referral from your primary care physician. 2

What are the most common healthcare plans?

The two most common healthcare plans are HMO and PPO.

What is the one page summary of benefits and therapies?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans are required to provide a one-page summary of benefits and therapies, along with their fees, per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

How many people didn't have health insurance in 2014?

Now more people than ever before have health insurance. In fact, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, only 13% of Americans didn’t have health insurance in 2014. Everyone else had the coverage they needed to deal with health problems.

Why won't mental health insurance cover mental health?

But in general, fears that mental health issues won’t be covered because they’re “bad” are typically groundless. Health insurance just doesn’t work that way. Plans were also required, as part of the legislation, to provide the same level of care for mental health concerns that they do for physical health concerns.

What is the Texas law on mental health?

Texas law only permits the disclosure of information by mental health professionals “to other professionals and personnel under the professionals” direction who participate in the diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment of the patient” (Tex. Health and Safety Code § 611.004(a)(7)).

What records can be exchanged with other hospitals?

Hospitals and other institutions and facilities within the department of mental health may exchange psychiatric records and other pertinent information with other hospitals, institutions, and facilities of the department, and with community mental health agencies and boards of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services with which the department has a current agreement for patient care or services. Records and information that may be released pursuant to this division shall be limited to medication history, physical health status and history, financial status, summary of course of treatment in the hospital, summary of treatment needs, and a discharge summary, if any (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 5122.31(c)).

What is NCBI bookshelf?

NCBI Bookshelf. A service of the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

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