How to Get Insurance to Pay for Rehab

Published February 20, 2024

Updated October 20, 2025

An image of Karena Mathis, author for gratitude lodge
Authored By:

Karena Mathis

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

An image of Karena Mathis, author for gratitude lodge
Authored By:

Karena Mathis

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Sean O'Neill
Medically Reviewed By

Sean O'Neill
MS, LMFT 112879

Explore treatment options today. For general drug info, contact your doctor.

How to Get Insurance to Pay for Rehab

Are you wondering how to get insurance to pay for inpatient rehab? If so, most health insurance policies offer coverage for inpatient rehab, but the amount and specifics of this coverage can vary by policy. 

Some insurance policies may also require pre-authorization or a healthcare provider’s referral as prerequisites for covering inpatient care. This means that you should be aware of any such requirements or coverage restrictions before starting treatment, to prevent unforeseen expenses or claims rejections.

In this blog, we will cover:

  • Does insurance cover rehab?
  • Will insurance cover my child’s rehab?
  • Does insurance cover rehab for alcohol?
  • Does insurance cover drug rehab?

Check My Insurance Coverage

Get a fast & free coverage check for inpatient rehab. Your insurance may cover up to 100% of treatment.

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How Do I Check My Rehab Insurance Coverage?

If you’d like a real person to assist you in determining your coverage, call our friendly team today at 844-576-0144 or use our free insurance coverage check here

Otherwise, read on to learn more about getting insurance coverage for inpatient rehab.  

Determining your insurance coverage and financing options for rehabilitation services is a fundamental step before commencing any treatment. Here’s how to check your rehab insurance coverage:



Review your insurance policy

Start by thoroughly reviewing your insurance policy documents. These documents often include detailed information about covered services, limitations, exclusions, deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance.



Contact your insurance provider

Reach out directly to your insurance company for specific information about your coverage. Customer service representatives can clarify what types of rehab services are covered, the duration of coverage, any pre-authorization requirements, and out-of-pocket expenses you might incur. Make sure to ask specific questions related to both inpatient and outpatient rehab services.



Ask about network providers

Inquire if your insurance plan has a network of preferred rehab providers. Using in-network services typically results in lower out-of-pocket costs. Also, ask about the process and coverage implications if you choose a rehab facility outside the network.



Understand pre-authorization requirements

Some insurance plans require pre-authorization for rehab services. This means that you need approval from your insurance provider before starting treatment. Understand this process, as failing to get pre-authorization could result in coverage denial.



Consult with your healthcare provider

Your doctor or mental health professional can provide guidance on the necessary steps to take for insurance coverage. They might also assist with the pre-authorization process.



Check state and federal laws

Be aware of any state and federal laws that might impact your coverage. For instance, under ACA, certain essential health benefits, including mental health and substance use disorder services, must be covered.



Document all interactions

Keep a record of all interactions with your insurance provider, including dates, the representative’s name, and the information provided. This documentation can be helpful in case of discrepancies or disputes.



Seek assistance if needed

If you find the process overwhelming or confusing, consider seeking help from a healthcare advocate or a representative from the rehab center. They often have experience dealing with insurance companies and can provide valuable assistance.

    By taking these steps, you can gain a clear understanding of your rehab insurance coverage, helping you make informed decisions about your treatment options without unexpected financial burdens.



    Type of plan

    Private health insurance plans, employer-sponsored plans, and government-funded programs like Medicare and Medicaid all have different rules and coverage levels for rehab services.



    Extent of coverage

    Insurance plans may cover various types of rehab services, including inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs. However, the proportion of costs covered, full or partial, and the duration of coverage can differ. Some plans may cover the entire stay at a rehab facility, while others may only cover certain aspects or a set number of days.



    Pre-authorization and referrals

    Many insurance providers require pre-authorization for rehab services. This means that the need for rehab must be medically justified. Additionally, a referral from a primary care physician or a mental health professional may be necessary to obtain coverage.



    Coverage for different therapies

    Insurance plans may also vary in terms of what types of therapies they cover. Traditional therapies, like individual counseling and group therapy, are commonly covered, while alternative therapies might not be.



    Out-of-pocket expenses

    Even if rehab is covered, individuals may still be responsible for certain out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance.



    Network restrictions

    Some insurance plans have network restrictions, meaning that they only cover services provided by certain rehab centers within their network.



    State and federal regulations

    Insurance coverage for rehab can also be influenced by state and federal regulations. For example, under ACA (Affordable Care Act), insurance plans are required to cover mental health and substance use disorder services as essential health benefits.

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    Will Insurance Cover My Adult Child’s Rehab?

    Yes, insurance will cover your child’s rehab treatment until they turn 26. However, the extent of that coverage will vary based on individual policies. 

    Under the ACA (Affordable Care Act), insurance plans are required to offer dependent child coverage up to age 26. Even if your adult child has moved out or married, this rule applies to all individual and employer (PPO) plans. However, this rule does not apply to Medicare, and your child will require their own insurance if your policy is under this umbrella.

    The ACA also mandates that insurance policies must extend coverage for substance use disorder treatment (rehab). This rule also covers dependents up to 26 years old. 

    How Many Times Will Insurance Pay for Rehab?

    The frequency with which insurance will pay for rehab depends on several factors, including:

    1. The specific insurance policy, the type of coverage
    2. Individual circumstances.

    However, as a rule, insurance companies typically cover rehab services that they deem medically necessary. This typically just requires a healthcare provider’s assessment and recommendation for treatment. 

    If a person relapses and needs additional rehab, a new assessment may be required to establish the medical necessity for further treatment.

    For each rehab admission, pre-authorization might be required. Failure to obtain this could result in the insurance company refusing to pay for the treatment.

    Laws such as ACA and MHPAEA (Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act) can influence insurance coverage. These laws often require plans to provide coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatments similar to other medical coverage.

    If coverage for a rehab session is denied, individuals have the right to appeal the decision.

    Understanding your policy’s appeal process is highly beneficial in these situations.

    It’s essential for people to directly contact their insurance provider to understand the specifics of their coverage, including how many times rehab treatment will be covered. Each situation is unique, and policies vary significantly between different insurers and individual plans.

    Qualify for Inpatient Rehab Today

    Call today to begin treatment at our world-class inpatient rehab. Our program works with a variety of insurance plans to get you or your loved one the help you need.

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    The ACA Act & Rehab Insurance Coverage

    Rehab Insurance FAQ



    Will health insurance cover rehab for drugs?

    Most health insurance plans cover drug rehabilitation services, but coverage varies depending on the plan and the specific treatments required.



    Does health insurance cover alcohol rehab?

    Yes, health insurance often covers alcohol rehab, subject to the terms and limits of the policy.



    Does insurance cover inpatient rehab?

    Insurance may cover inpatient rehab if this is deemed necessary for the treatment of a severe substance use disorder or mental health condition. Again, the extent of coverage is contingent on the insurance plan and the nature of the inpatient rehab program.



    Do you have to pay for rehab?

    Yes, you usually have to pay for rehab, but the cost can be mitigated depending on and whether or not you have insurance coverage.

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    Begin Insurance-Covered Inpatient Rehab at Gratitude Lodge Today

    • Talk therapy

    If you’re asking yourself, does insurance cover rehab? our friendly team of recovery experts can help check your coverage for free. When you are ready to begin your recovery from addiction using health insurance, call Gratitude Lodge at 844-576-0144.

  • Want to learn more?

    Check out our addiction recovery blog to learn more about substance use disorders and how to get effective treatment.

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