Rehab and The Affordable Care Act
Drug and alcohol addiction treatment can be difficult, not just emotionally, but monetarily as well. Paying for your substance abuse rehab can get expensive, and money should be the least of anyone’s concerns when it comes to recovery.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has become a common way to pay for substance abuse rehab treatment. In fact, if you think finances might become a barrier to the recovery process, the ACA could perhaps be of assistance.
Treatments are also made possible to be covered for Americans by Medicare and Medicaid. The goal was to put together health insurance reforms to make affordable health insurance available to those who needed it. Everybody deserves quality health care, and the ACA made this possible.
The Affordable Care Act lists substance abuse treatment as one of the ten elements of essential health benefits. What this means is that all insurance provided by Medicaid is required to cover substance abuse.
Because ACA includes these benefits in their packages, more people have access to receiving treatment for substance abuse. The ACA increases the number of people who are eligible under Medicaid. Some of these people may actually need addiction treatment who cannot afford it.
What Does the ACA Cover?
Coverage with an ACA insurance plan include:
- Brief intervention
- Addiction screening
- Clinic visits
- Some substance abuse medication
- Family counseling
- Alcohol and drug testing
- Home health visits
- Some inpatient programs
The ACA extends medical coverage and affordable health costs to millions of American citizens that could previously not afford it through Medicaid expansion. It also extends the health coverage of dependants until 26 years of age through their parent’s health insurance. In fact, the number of citizens who struggle with substance abuse that have received insurance coverage through ACA has risen to 1.6 million.
In the ACA, substance abuse screening is actually required, as well as a brief intervention for all insurance plans. This also includes substance abuse treatment services under Medicaid expansion. It is worth mentioning, however, that just because addiction treatment services are required, this doesn’t mean all services will be. In fact, it doesn’t specify which services must be included.
What Is a Brief Intervention and Why is it Important?
Brief interventions are counseling sessions that could last anywhere from 3-5 minutes, or sometimes even span up to 15 minutes. The goal of a brief intervention is to communicate the potential risks somebody’s substance abuse behaviors clearly and how it could have a negative impact not only on them, but those that surround them. At Northbound, our goal is to always be sure that our clients find empathy and optimism here at our facility.
There are not many things as difficult as dealing with addiction, but watching your loved one wrestle with it is pretty close. Even though it may seem obvious sometimes, it could be difficult for them to arrive at the reality of the circumstance. In fact, those struggling may be in denial regarding their addiction. This mindset has the destructive power to slow down one’s recovery journey.
Preparing an Intervention
It is imperative to take a deep breath and plan the best course of action. The reality of someone you love dealing with substance abuse is a very difficult pill to swallow. It can be immensely terrifying. However, the worst thing that could happen is to respond in a destructive way. The best course of action is always to approach the situation with empathy and understanding, especially in the context of a brief intervention.
This may be one of the hardest things you’ve ever dealt with. But the truth of the matter is that somebody is suffering and they need help as quickly as possible. Because of the ACA, this is entirely possible to afford. In this case, urgency is met with convenience, which has rarely been possible in the past concerning the treatment of addiction.
Substance abuse can have a huge negative impact on the lives of those directly and indirectly involved. The scariest part is whether or not there is anything that can be done about it. Thankfully, there is, and ACA has made that possible.
If a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, it may be time to schedule an intervention. The good news is that it is now affordable to do so with quality care.
What Is Family Counseling and How Can It Help?
Family therapy has been proven to make a positive impact on the relationships between those who struggle with addiction and their loved ones. It is important to remember that there is no one-size fits all method to combat substance abuse. Every individual is unique and requires care that is specific to their needs. This individualized care is not limited to just them, but can help their families as well. ACA has made it possible to be able to afford family therapy.
There’s much more depth to this specific treatment and the impact it has on families who suffer from substance abuse. At Northbound Treatment Services, we want to provide them with the best care available in order that they might re-establish relationships that may have been broken. With the ACA, they’re able to receive and afford quality family therapy to help combat their loved one’s addiction, and the terrible impact ts had on their lives.
We believe that support builds momentum for moving along in the recovery journey. Substance abuse impacts those who suffer from it. But it also affects their families. Our family here at Northbound stives to provide individuals and their families with momentous momentum to help them move along on their path to stability.
If a loved one is nearing the end of their tenure in treatment, family therapy may be the last stage of their path to healthy living. If this is the case, it’s important for the family to be prepared accordingly. Understanding what your insurance covers is just as important as receiving the care you deserve. Monetary needs should never have to be a concern in the recovery process, and that’s why we want to make sure you are covered.
What Are Inpatient Programs?
The ACA covers inpatient programs and allows patients to receive quality 24-hour care in a controlled environment. While being treated, patients are able to focus on their recovery without the distractions of everyday life. The treatment, lasting anywhere from one to six months depending on the severity of the patient’s addiction, allows them to meet with psychiatrists and counselors that help guide them along their path to recovery.
The first step in these programs includes medically assisted detox. Drug cravings are very difficult to overcome, and can often lead to withdrawal or relapse. While the drugs are exiting a patient’s system through detox, physicians at Northbound are able to monitor vitals and provide the right care to guard against relapse.
Health care such as inpatient treatment at northbound can seem pretty frightening. Not only because of the severity of substance abuse, but also due to the financial aspect of treatment. At Northbound, we believe in providing our patients with the best care available in order that our patients recover to completion safely. ACA allows substance abuse victims to receive the best care available while remaining affordable to those who need it.
Am I Eligible for Coverage?
Life with addiction can be difficult to treat. That’s why the Affordable Care Act sets out to make the recovery journey more bearable. American citizens whose incomes between the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and four times the FPL are eligible to receive government-mandated health care. It is significant to note that FPL fluctuates based on family size.
At Northbound, we believe in coming alongside those who struggle with addiction and their families. Our goal is to leave no stone left unturned. We aim to encourage and support those who suffer in pursuit of a stable living. Treating each patient is a complex process due to the unique needs of each individual.
Finding Hope and Help At Northbound Treatment Services
If you’ve been looking for addiction rehab services, we are here to help. At Northbound, you will receive the help you need in order to overcome substance abuse. We strive to offer an individualized approach to addiction treatment. So, know that you will be in good hands here at our facility.
Our team desires to lead our patients to a place of stability. We do this by assessing the needs of each individual so that we may lay a strong foundation for those suffering from addiction. Throughout their time here at Northbound, patients will be treated with a compassionate and understanding spirit. Our hope is that this allows individuals to have peace of mind in their pursuit of stability. For some, this is possible through ACA coverage.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse and believes they’re eligible for ACA, reach out to (866) 511-2458 or contact us here. Allow us to walk with you and your family in pursuit of sobriety and healing.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5308192/#bib1
https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/ondcp/healthcare
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64269/
