Does UnitedHealthcare Cover Drug & Alcohol Detox? Yes-Here’s How to Use It at Sunrise.

Does UnitedHealthcare cover detox? Yes. UnitedHealthcare generally covers medically supervised detox under the ACA’s mental health parity rules, and Sunrise is an in-network provider. Our admissions team works directly with UnitedHealthcare to help make the process easier and ensure you can access the care you need.

What UnitedHealthcare Typically Covers for Detox

UnitedHealthcare covers a range of services for people needing substance use disorder treatment; however, exactly what is covered depends on your individual plan.

  • Medically supervised inpatient detox
  • 24/7 nursing care
  • Withdrawal medication management
  • Therapy during your stay
  • Aftercare planning

In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: What It Means for Your Costs

The last thing you need to worry about when you are considering substance use disorder treatment is the ins and outs of your insurance coverage. At Sunrise Detox, our admissions team is here to make the process easier. 

Many insurance plans include a deductible. A deductible is a set amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance begins to cover your services. In most cases, this is for surgeries, procedures, and hospitalizations and not preventative care. For example, you have a $2,000 deductible per calendar year, so you are responsible for the first $2,000 in costs before UnitedHealthcare pays.

A co-pay is another cost that the insured is responsible for. Co-pays are fees that you pay out-of-pocket for covered services, such as sick visits or preventative care. Some policies may also require a co-pay for medications. Co-pays typically don’t go toward your yearly deductible.

An example of a co-pay would be a fee of $25.00 for a doctor visit that is due at the time of the appointment. 

You may need UnitedHealthcare detox authorization before you can receive certain services, including surgeries, procedures, inpatient stays, and certain medications. To receive prior authorization, UnitedHealthcare must deem your service to be appropriate and medically necessary before it will cover the cost of your services.

At Sunrise, we understand that navigating the ins and outs of insurance can be daunting. So, our admissions team is here to make the process easier. We will verify your UnitedHealthcare drug detox benefits and obtain any prior authorizations, if needed. As well, we will review any deductibles and co-pays you may be responsible for so that you have a clear understanding of any out-of-pocket costs you may incur. 

How to Verify Your UnitedHealthcare Benefits in 3 Steps

Verification of your benefits helps you to determine if the services you require are covered and at what level. We are here to help. There are three steps to help you begin the process.

Step 1: Call Sunrise. Our admissions team is ready to help make the process less overwhelming by providing you with a clear understanding of the cost of care. We can answer any questions you have and discuss what to expect during your treatment at Sunrise. 

Step 2: Have your insurance card ready when you make the call. A member of our team will take down your ID and group number so we can contact UnitedHealthcare and begin the admission process.

Step 3: Get a same-day answer. We understand that waiting can only add to your stress. Our admissions team will contact UnitedHealthcare and get in touch with you on the same day to discuss your UHC alcohol detox coverage and any out-of-pocket costs you may incur. 

What Detox at Sunrise Looks Like

At Sunrise Detox, we offer a clean and welcoming facility with around-the-clock care. to ensure your withdrawal is as safe and comfortable as possible. 

Our team of highly trained addiction professionals offers evidence-based treatment options for your withdrawal management, ensuring the process is as safe and comfortable as possible. From our fully furnished private rooms to our chef-prepared meals, we focus on you and supporting you during the earliest stages of your recovery. 

FAQ

Does UHC cover inpatient detox? Yes. UHC covers this service through its behavioral health arm, Optum. Most commercial and employer-based plans offer this benefit in accordance with the ACA’s mental health parity rules. We’ll help you understand your Optum detox coverage and any out-of-pocket costs you may incur during your stay. 

Before UHC covers detox, they typically require a medical necessity review. Our clinical intake team will prepare and submit the required documentation for you. 

Will UHC cover detox if I’ve had treatment before?

UHC evaluates your current situation, not your treatment history. Should you need detox, even if you have had prior treatment, and UHC finds that it is medically necessary, they will cover your detox services. 

Once our admissions team has verified your UHC benefits and obtained prior authorization, in most cases, we can get you admitted for treatment within 24 hours. 

Coverage for UHC Medicaid plans varies by state. Call us, and we will verify your specific benefits plan.