Anthem Insurance Coverage for Veteran Drug & Alcohol Rehab
The specific details of what is covered, how much you will pay out of pocket, and whether pre-authorization is required depend on your individual plan, your state of residence, and the level of care you need. That is why verifying your benefits before enrolling in a program is always the best first step.
Using Anthem Insurance with VA Benefits
If you are a veteran with both Anthem insurance and VA healthcare benefits, you can use both to cover the cost of addiction treatment. Having dual coverage gives you more options and can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Here is how the two work together:
- VA benefits cover addiction treatment at VA facilities and at approved VA Community Care Partners. If you are enrolled in VA healthcare, substance use disorder treatment is part of your comprehensive benefits package.
- Anthem insurance can cover treatment at private, non-VA facilities that are in Anthem’s network. This expands your choices beyond VA facilities.
- If a facility accepts both VA Community Care and Anthem insurance, you may be able to coordinate benefits to minimize co-pays and deductibles.
- Enrolling in Anthem does not affect your VA benefits. The two programs are operated by different agencies and do not interfere with each other.
- If you also qualify for Medicare, you can carry all three: VA benefits, Anthem, and Medicare. Each can fill gaps the others leave.
Always inform the rehab facility that you have multiple types of coverage so they can coordinate billing and help you get the most complete coverage possible.
How to Verify Your Anthem Coverage for Rehab
Before enrolling in any addiction treatment program, verify your specific benefits. Here are three ways to do it:
- Call the number on the back of your Anthem insurance card. Ask the representative about your behavioral health benefits, specifically coverage for substance use disorder treatment. Ask about pre-authorization requirements, in-network vs. out-of-network coverage, your deductible, co-pays, and any limits on the number of covered treatment days.
- Use AAC’s free insurance verification tool. You can verify your Anthem benefits online at veteranaddiction.org/verify-insurance or by calling AAC’s admissions line. A navigator will check your coverage and explain your options at no cost and with no obligation.
- Log into your Anthem member account. Visit anthem.com and use your member ID to view your plan details, search for in-network providers, and review your behavioral health benefits.
When you call to verify benefits, have the following information ready: your Anthem member ID number, your date of birth, the name of the policyholder (if different from you), and the name and location of the treatment facility you are considering.
How to Check Anthem Insurance Benefits for Veterans’ Rehab
If you’re ready to learn more about drug and alcohol addiction treatment, AAC can help. Not only is AAC an in-network provider with Anthem, but AAC facilities offer a Veteran-specific addiction treatment program that is designed to address the unique needs and challenges of the Veteran community and support your lasting recovery with evidence-based care. Reach out to connect with an admissions navigator, who can listen to your needs, answer your questions, explain your options, and help you begin your path to recovery today.
What to Do If Anthem Does Not Cover the Full Cost
If your Anthem plan does not cover the entire cost of treatment, or if you face high deductibles and co-pays, there are additional options:
- VA benefits. If you are enrolled in VA healthcare, your VA benefits may cover services that Anthem does not. Contact your VA provider to discuss coordinating coverage.
- TRICARE. If you are eligible for TRICARE, it can serve as secondary insurance to help cover remaining costs.
- Payment plans. Many rehab facilities, including AAC, offer financing options and payment plans so you can spread costs over time.
- Sliding-scale fees. Some facilities adjust fees based on your ability to pay.
- State-funded programs. Every state has publicly funded rehab programs for individuals who cannot afford private treatment.
- Scholarships and grants. Some facilities and organizations offer scholarships for veterans seeking addiction treatment.
- SAMHSA Treatment Locator. Visit findtreatment.gov to search for low-cost or free treatment facilities in your area.
The cost of treatment should never prevent you from getting help. Talk with the admissions team at any facility about all available options.