Struggling with alcohol addiction is challenging enough, and worrying about financial concerns may seem like an added burden. Despite the availability of effective treatments, access to care is often hindered by financial concerns and insurance-related barriers. This article provides a comprehensive overview of alcohol rehab insurance coverage in the United States, especially in New Jersey, addresses common challenges, and offers solutions to help you get maximum benefits out of your insurance plan.
ChoicePoint offers an online insurance verification tool to help you estimate your out-of-pocket expenses and coverage under your insurance plan. Click now to verify your insurance benefits.
Table of Contents
Highlights
- Alcohol rehab is covered by all major government and commercial insurance companies.
- Alcohol detox, preventative screening, medication-assisted treatment, and alcohol intoxication are all treatments that are usually covered by insurance.
- There may be challenges to alcohol rehab coverage, such as preauthorization and in-network rehab, but ChoicePoint has got you covered!
- ChoicePoint virtual and in-person alcohol rehab in NJ accepts all major insurance. Call 844.445.2565 to start your journey towards sobriety.
Is Alcohol Rehab Covered by Insurance?
Yes. Alcohol addiction treatment is considered a medical condition, and most health insurance plans are required by law to cover it. The covered alcohol treatment includes:
- Outpatient alcohol detox
- Screening and alcohol evaluation
- Inpatient (residential) rehab
- Intensive outpatient treatments (IOP alcohol treatment)
- Virtual IOP
- Partial Care (PHP alcohol rehab) / Partial Hospitalization Program
- Outpatient therapy and counseling
- Medical alcohol detox (supervised withdrawal management)
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Aftercare and follow-up services
ChoicePoint virtual and in-person rehab in NJ accepts all insurance. Call 844.445.2565 to learn more about your insurance coverage.
Ask our Doctor

Executive Clinical Director at ChoicePoint
Does Insurance Cover Alcohol Detox?Yes, all aspects of addiction treatment are covered by insurance. I tell my clients that insurance coverage is not limited to medical check-ups only. Most health insurance plans cover behavioral health treatments such as alcohol detox, inpatient and outpatient treatments, alcohol addiction counseling, and relapse prevention plans.
5 Common Insurance Challenges and Solutions Related to Alcohol Addiction Treatment Insurance Coverage
Alcohol addiction insurance coverage varies by state, location, and the type of insurance plan. For the most authentic and up-to-date information, it is best to verify your insurance online or contact our representative at 844.445.2565
1. Lack of Clarity Regarding Alcohol Insurance Coverage
Challenge
Many individuals are uncertain whether their insurance plan covers alcohol rehab services, or they may be unfamiliar with their policy’s limitations, exclusions, and requirements for prior authorization.
Solution
Patients should request their “Summary of Benefits and Coverage” (SBC) directly from their insurance provider or consult the insurer’s online member portal. They should also verify:
- Whether alcohol treatment services are covered.
- What types of services (e.g., inpatient, outpatient, detoxification) are included?
- Co-payments, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums.
- Whether referrals or pre-authorization are required.
2. Even With Insurance, I cannot Afford Treatment
What To Do
There are ways to reduce costs:
- Choose an in-network facility to pay less.
- Ask about payment plans or sliding-scale fees based on income.
- Look for state-funded programs or nonprofits that offer free or low-cost care.
Many accredited treatment facilities like ChoicePoint provide complimentary insurance verification, so patients understand their benefits before initiating treatment.
3. How to Determine the Appropriate Level of Care?
Challenge
Without clinical guidance, individuals may not know where to start. Clients may struggle to determine which level of care, such as medical alcohol detoxification to safely get alcohol out of your system fast, inpatient rehabilitation, or outpatient counseling, is most suitable.
Solution
Clinical assessments conducted by licensed addiction professionals or primary care physicians can determine medical necessity and guide you about the treatment plan. Most insurance providers require such an assessment to authorize care, following the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria. After a proper diagnosis, your healthcare provider will recommend the best level of care.
4. Your Preferred Rehab is not In-network With Your Insurance Plan
Challenge
Patients often discover that their preferred rehabilitation center is not part of their insurance network.
Solution
Patients may request a “single-case agreement” (SCA), which allows insurance carriers to cover services from an out-of-network provider on a case-by-case basis when in-network alternatives are not available. Alternatively, facilities may help identify comparable in-network options.
5. Pre-Authorization Requirements or Delays
The Problem
Many insurance plans require pre-authorization, approval from the insurer, before starting rehab. This can delay care or lead to unexpected denials.
Solution
- Do not delay the approval process. Ask the rehab center or your physician to submit documentation.
- Provide complete clinical assessments showing medical necessity, such as withdrawal symptoms or risk of relapse.
- If your request is denied, appeal the decision. Many appeals are successful when supported by a doctor’s evaluation.
Does Insurance Cover Alcohol Intoxication?
Yes, insurance covers all aspects of alcohol addiction treatment, including alcohol poisoning and alcohol intoxication. However, it is recommended to verify your insurance beforehand to avoid any hidden costs.

Verify Your Insurance!
Alcohol Rehab Coverage: Government Vs. Private Insurance Plan
Under the Affordable Care Act, all insurance companies are required to cover the costs of behavioral health and addiction services. 1 Government Insurance is typically more cost-effective and covers major necessary treatments. These often come with limited flexibility to choose out-of-network providers or luxury rehab treatments.
Insurance Type | Eligibility | Coverage | |
---|---|---|---|
Medicaid | Based on income and household size, it varies by state. | Coverage includes inpatient and outpatient treatment, detoxification, counseling, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and follow-up care. | |
Medicare | Individuals aged 65 and older, or younger individuals with qualifying disabilities. | Covers outpatient rehab (Part B), inpatient rehab (Part A), and MAT under prescription drug coverage (Part D). |
Private Insurance Coverage for Alcohol Rehab
Private alcohol addiction treatment can be a bit more expensive but offers more coverage, flexibility to choose out-of-network providers, and luxury rehabs.
Insurance Company | Coverage for Alcohol Addiction Treatment |
---|---|
UnitedHealthcare NJ | Offers comprehensive behavioral health coverage, including detox, inpatient/residential rehab, outpatient services, and MAT. |
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) NJ | Coverage varies by state affiliate, but generally includes inpatient and outpatient treatment, counseling, and MAT. |
Aetna NJ | Covers substance use treatment services, including detox, rehab, and aftercare, through their Behavioral Health division. |
Cigna NJ | Provides access to inpatient, outpatient, and telehealth rehab services, as well as MAT and mental health counseling. |
Humana NJ | Offers behavioral health benefits, including alcohol detox, alcohol addiction therapy, and counseling. |
Optum, NJ | Covers telehealth, detox, medication-assisted treatment, and therapy. |
TRICARE Insurance
TRICARE insurance provides comprehensive coverage for alcohol addiction treatment, including detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient programs, partial hospitalization (PHP), medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and counseling. Coverage is available under various TRICARE plans, including Prime, Select, and TRICARE for Life. Active-duty members and their families typically have low or no out-of-pocket costs, while retirees may have some cost-sharing based on their plan.
Helpful link: How to verify your TRICARE insurance?
How to Get the Most Out of Your Alcohol Rehab Insurance Coverage to Save on Costs?
Even with insurance, you may still have to pay some out-of-pocket expenses. Here is how to get maximum benefits out of your plan:
1. Choosing an In-network Provider
Choosing an in-network provider will help you get discounted rates and lower deductibles and copayments. For instance, an insurance company may cover 80-90% of the cost of an in-network provider, but for an out-of-network provider, the coverage may be as low as 40-60%.
2. Upgrading Your Insurance Plan According to Your Diagnosis
If your insurance coverage is covering part of your alcohol treatment plan, it may be worth investing in upgrading your insurance plan to get maximum benefits. For example, a bronze plan may cover 60% of the cost, but a gold plan may cover 80-90% of the cost.
3. Choosing Generic Alternatives to Brand-name Medications
If you have been recommended medication-assisted treatment for AUD, then you may save money by choosing generic alternatives to brand-name medications. Generic medications are usually fully covered by insurance companies. For example, Naltrexone is a generic alternative to Vivitrol, covered fully by most insurance plans.
Can I Attend Rehab Without Insurance?
Yes, it is possible to attend rehab without insurance. Several rehabs also accept cash-pay options. However, alcohol addiction treatment is generally expensive. Here are some options to consider:
- Joining Government-Funded Programs
- Payment Assistance and Sliding Fee
- Grants and Scholarships
ChoicePoint Alcohol Rehab in New Jersey Insurance Policy
ChoicePoint Alcohol Rehab in Bergen, New Jersey, accepts a wide range of insurance plans to make addiction treatment accessible and affordable for individuals seeking recovery. Our alcohol rehab insurance policy is designed to cover various levels of care, including insurance-covered detox, outpatient programs, and therapy sessions.
By working with both in-network and out-of-network providers, ChoicePoint helps patients minimize out-of-pocket expenses while ensuring access to evidence-based treatment. Our admissions team offers free insurance verification and guides patients through the approval process.
In-network Insurances | Out-of-network Insurances |
---|---|
Optum United Healthcare Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Medicaid Tricare | Cigna AmeriHealth WellCare NJ UMR NJ Magellan Health NJ |
FAQs Related to Alcohol Rehab Insurance, NJ
More of your questions related to alcohol addiction treatment insurance are answered below:
How To Get Your Insurance Company to Pay for Rehab?
To get your insurance company to pay for alcohol rehab, start by verifying your coverage directly with your provider or through the alcohol treatment center’s admissions team. Most insurance companies require a formal diagnosis and medical necessity documentation, which can be provided by a licensed healthcare professional.
Which is the Best Insurance for Alcohol Rehab?
The best insurance plans depend on your diagnosis, your affordability, and several other factors. It is best to discuss your insurance plan with your rehab and insurance provider to choose the plan that offers the maximum benefits.
Is it Worth Buying Insurance to Attend Rehab?
Yes, buying insurance is often worth it if you are considering alcohol rehab. Without insurance, the cost of treatment can be very expensive,
References
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.). About the Affordable Care Act.
https://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/about-the-aca/index.html - Medicaid.gov. (n.d.). Behavioral health services. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/benefits/behavioral-health-services
- Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Mental health & substance use disorder. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/mental-health-substance-use-disorder
- UnitedHealthcare. (n.d.). Substance use.
https://www.uhc.com/member-resources/health-care-programs/substance-use - Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. (n.d.). Substance use treatment and recovery selection criteria. https://www.bcbs.com/dA/bfcbcf996e/fileAsset/Substance_Use_Treatment_and_Recovery_Selection_Criteria.pdf
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.