Most insurance plans will cover either all or a portion of the treatment.
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SUD treatment executive, national news contributor & keynote speaker.
Navigation:
- Overview
- How Does Medicare Coverage through United American Work?
- What Kind of Treatment Services Can I Get Covered with A United American Supplemental Plan?
- Medicare Part A Coverage
- Medicare Part B Coverage
- Defining Inpatient Addiction Treatment Programs
- Defining Outpatient Addiction Treatment Programs
- How Do I Find Out What My United American Supplemental Plan Covers?
- Find Treatment Centers That Take United American Health Insurance
Overview
United American Health Insurance offers supplemental general and Medicare insurance plans. The extent to which it provides coverage for substance disorder (SUD) and other mental health conditions generally depends on the capabilities of Medicare; however, it’s important to remember that each person’s scope of coverage will be different based on their plan type, the supplemental services they’ve chosen to purchase, their state of residence and other factors.
If you or your loved one has purchased a Medicare supplement insurance plan from United American Insurance, you may be able to have all or part of your treatment covered if you’re battling drug or alcohol addiction.
How Does Medicare Coverage through United American Work?
Medicare supplemental insurance plans were created by the federal government and are regulated by state Insurance Departments. Private insurance companies offer them to cover some of the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B). United American has grown to become one of the largest providers of Medicare supplement plans since their formation in 1966.
What Kind of Treatment Services Can I Get Covered with A United American Supplemental Plan?
Let’s start with determining what Medicare Parts A and B cover; this will help you or your loved one decide your best course of action for treatment and coverage inquiries.
It’s important to note that Medicare provides coverage for substance abuse if:
- Your healthcare provider deems the services as medically necessary
- You receive services from a Medicare-approved provider or facility
- And, your provider sets up your treatment plan
Covered services include, but are not limited to, SUD education and support for patients, psychotherapy, post-treatment outreach and follow-up, opioid treatment programs (OTPs), medication-assisted therapy (MAT) using FDA-approved medications for the treatment of alcohol and opioid addiction, group and one-on-one therapy, case management and counseling, and more. Your Medicare plan will also cover screening and assessment services to help ensure continued sobriety.
Medicare Part A Coverage
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) explicitly covers inpatient medical or psychiatric treatment. This happens when you’re admitted to a general or psychiatric hospital for inpatient services.
Medicare doesn’t cover:
- Private-duty nursing
- A phone or television in your room (if there’s a separate charge for these items)
- A private room, unless medically necessary
Length of stay will vary, depending on your program, but please keep in mind that if you or your loved one is receiving care at an inpatient psychiatric hospital, Medicare only covers a total of 190 lifetime days.
Medicare Part B Coverage
The scope of coverage provided under Medicare Part B is broader and can include:
- Inpatient services from a doctor or other health care provider while you’re in the hospital
- Intensive outpatient program services at a hospital, community mental health center, Federally Qualified Health Center, Rural Health Clinic, or Opioid Treatment Program
- Outpatient services generally obtained outside a hospital, such as a doctor’s office or community mental health center.
- Outpatient services that are offered as part of substance use disorder treatment
- Partial hospitalization (PHP) services through a hospital outpatient department or community mental health center, if you meet specific clinical requirements
- Behavioral health integration services to help manage your care for your specific mental health condition
Defining Inpatient Addiction Treatment Programs
Inpatient treatment programs are different from inpatient hospital stays and will, as a result, be covered differently under your Medicare plan. Inpatient rehab programs allow patients to stay in a program for an average of 30 days, during which they can get help for their substance use in a safe, comfortable and distraction-free environment. Your Medicare Part B plan may cover all or part of these services, while your supplemental plan may cover the rest.
Defining Outpatient Addiction Treatment Programs
Outpatient care allows patients to get daily treatment at their location and return to their homes and families after each session. It offers the flexibility to stay present and connected to life while getting the necessary treatment. Program length varies, but they average around five days per week for around six to eight hours per day. Medicare Part B may cover all or part of your outpatient treatment program, depending on your care needs and length of stay. Refer to your plan to determine exactly what’s covered.
How Do I Find Out What My United American Supplemental Plan Covers?
The easiest way to determine the scope of your coverage under your United American plan is to speak with a member services representative. You can also contact the facility you’re considering to see if they accept Medicare and get a complete insurance verification. It’s important to realize that not all private facilities accept Medicare, but many state-funded programs will accept this type of payment.
Your United American insurance plan may be able to pick up where your Medicare insurance leaves off to help you minimize your out-of-pocket burden for care.
Find Treatment Centers That Take United American Health Insurance
Use our nationwide directory to find addiction treatment centers that accept United American Health Insurance Plans and check whether your plan may cover some or all of your stay in treatment.
