It takes a lot of personal courage for someone to admit to themselves or their loved ones that they need professional help. This can include getting the help necessary to overcome a substance use disorder, a mental health disorder or both. For those taking that first step toward lifelong recovery, congratulations are in order. However, obtaining comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment that can specifically address someone’s needs is often an expensive, time-consuming endeavor. That’s where healthcare coverage with Aetna for detox in Georgia comes in.
What is Aetna Insurance?
According to Aetna’s website, Aetna Inc. was established in 1863, and is a Hartford, Connecticut-based managed healthcare company. It offers traditional and consumer-directed health insurance and other services. Its plans cover medical, dental, pharmaceutical, we well as behavioral health, and disability plans to name a few examples.
Employer-paid insurance and benefit programs and Medicare allow those with Aetna insurance to access its coverage and benefits. Aetna’s website states its network boasts “22 million medical practitioners and 12.7 million dental members, 13 million pharmacy benefit management services members as well as 1.2 million healthcare professionals, and nearly 700,000 primary care physicians and specialists”.
Of course, Aetna recognizes there is not a one-size-fits-all plan for addiction or mental health treatment. Aetna works with each of its members to discern their needs and find a viable, affordable healthcare solution.
Does Aetna Cover Addiction Treatment?
If someone has an Aetna health insurance plan and is wondering, “Does Aetna cover detox in Georgia?” Yes. Aetna does offer this type of coverage. After all, Aetna recognizes addiction to drugs and alcohol as a multi-layered medical condition.
If someone has Aetna insurance and is in need of comprehensive addiction treatment, they can contact their Aetna representative and ask for an explanation regarding what their plans would cover. They can also let them know what their out-of-pocket expenses might be.
A commonly-held concern regarding Aetna’s coverage of drug detox in Georgia is whether the insurer provides coverage for treatment outside its network. Aetna’s policy regarding out-of-network addiction and mental health treatment depends on which plan someone has, so this question is best asked of an Aetna representative.
“Out-of-network” means the treatment center has not been approved by Aetna, so rates have not been negotiated beforehand. If someone needs addiction treatment with an out-of-network provider, Aetna may still offer limited coverage. As a note, out-of-pocket costs may be higher than with an in-network provider.
Or the specific plan might require that a deductible be met before coverage kicks in. After all, the selected policy determines the cost of the deductible. In any event, going over all options with an Aetna representative is an appropriate next step.
Aetna Covers Detox in Georgia
Detox is the process where all traces of the substances that a patient had been abusing are removed from the body. On average, the typical stay in detox is five to 10 days. However, some patients may require more time depending on the severity of their condition. A clinically supervised detox is recommended to help limit people’s uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Under medical observation, patients are weaned off drugs or alcohol in a safe environment with minimal discomfort. Aetna covers all types of detox treatments. However, in some cases, we may require authorization for specific treatment programs and services. Last but not least, Aetna covers medications used in detox.
Such medications include:
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
- Acamprosate
Buprenorphine is used to ease symptoms of withdrawal from opioids Naltrexone, which is used to prevent opioid and alcohol relapse; and Acamprosate reduces the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Does Aetna Cover Mental Health Treatment?
Aetna covers detox in Georgia, plus comprehensive addiction treatment. Additionally, the Hartford-based company also provides full or partial coverage for mental health treatment. This includes most mental health disorders that can occur at the same time with a substance use disorder.
These common mental health disorders include but are not limited to:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bipolar
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, mental and behavioral health treatment must be covered as essential health benefits. These benefits include counseling and therapy as well as inpatient mental health and addiction treatment.
That said, Aetna may offer somewhat limited coverage options for common emotional problems that don’t quite amount to disorders, such as grief and general relationship issues. In short, it’s a good idea to check with an Aetna representative regarding what is and what is not covered under someone’s plan.
If necessary, representatives with Retreat of Atlanta will provide a person’s insurer with information for pre-authorization. While Aetna covers detox in Georgia, they may have certain criteria before allowing them to access those benefits.
Will I Have a Deductible for My Aetna Coverage?
In most instances, there will be a deductible linked to one’s coverage. Before coverage kicks in, the patient is held responsible for meeting their deductible. Aetna covers zero medical expenses until this deductible has been reached.
For those wondering how much, if any, of their addiction treatment plan is covered by their Aetna insurance plan, contacting an Aetna representative will provide them with quick, authoritative answers.
Aetna for Detox in Georgia
The Retreat of Atlanta can help those who need help overcoming substance abuse or mental health treatment. Our staff works on your behalf to obtain authorization for the level of treatment recommended. And we know the ways in which addiction and mental health disorders can break up families and ruin lives. Fortunately, we offer a wide variety of programs to help you utilize Aetna for detox in Georgia.
Visit our admissions page for more information and take the first step toward a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life.