Magellan Insurance Coverage for Veterans’ Drug & Alcohol Rehab
Evidence-based treatment is available to assist Veterans with mental health and substance use issues. If your insurer utilizes Magellan Health for behavioral services, the plan may be able to pay some or all of the costs of your care.
This guide will help you learn more about Magellan healthcare for drug rehab for Veterans.
Overview of Magellan Insurance for Veterans
Magellan Health is a managed healthcare company that contracts with various Medicare, Medicaid, and employer health plans to provide behavioral health services to members. In addition, Magellan Federal provides services for federal employees and active military members.1
Due to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most insurance plans are required to offer at least some coverage for mental health and addiction treatment.3 However, the details vary by plan, so be sure to verify your coverage before committing to a treatment program.
Types of Addiction Treatment Covered by Magellan for Veterans
There are multiple ways to treat substance use disorder. Because insurance focuses on covering medically necessary treatment, it’s important to work with your doctor to determine what treatment types fit your needs.
Some common types of treatment include:4
- Detox programs: Magellan’s Veterans detox coverage can help pay for these programs so that you can start rehab fresh. The detox process is often medically monitored, and medical detox for Veterans helps you stay safe and comfortable.5
- Inpatient treatment: During inpatient rehab for Veterans, you’ll live at the treatment facility. Being in a distraction-free environment with 24/7 support will allow you to focus on healing.
- Outpatient treatment programs: During outpatient care, you live at home or in a sober living facility while attending treatment for several hours per week. The intensity of the outpatient rehab for Veterans determines the number of treatment hours and the activities you’ll engage in.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): MAT allows you to use FDA-approved medication to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioid misuse or alcohol use disorder.6
Your treatment plan may include multiple steps. For example, if you were attending a Veterans’ alcohol rehab covered by Magellan Insurance, you might start with detox and then move to a residential treatment program. After that, they might connect you to sober living for Veterans. The goal is to help you be fully stable with a solid foundation to maintain long-term recovery.
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Rehab Facilities
Insurance plans have a network of providers they contract with that give them favorable prices for high-quality care.7 Using providers that are in your plan’s network allows you to save money as well through lower out-of-pocket costs.
To find an in-network Veterans rehab covered by Magellan Health, you can search their provider network online. You can also contact American Addiction Centers (AAC) at . Our centers are proud to be in-network with most Magellan plans.
Many AAC facilities have a specialized Veteran addiction treatment program as well, which can help you connect to others who have been through similar experiences and understand your struggle.
How to Verify Your Magellan Insurance Benefits
Every health plan is different, so understanding the details of your coverage is essential. Fortunately, it’s easy to verify Magellan coverage for rehab. You can contact a representative directly, or you can reach out to AAC at any time, 24/7.
Contact us by phone at and our admissions navigators can verify your coverage in just a few minutes. There’s an online benefit verification tool that’s very easy to use as well. You can learn about the Veteran rehab admissions process and ask any questions you have.
Alternative Payment Options if Rehab Is Not Fully Covered
If Magellan Insurance does not fully cover your rehab costs, you may have to pay the remainder out-of-pocket. Fortunately, there may be other payment options available.
- If your substance use issues are service-connected, you may be able to use VA rehab coverage.
- There may be government-funded programs for Veterans.
- Some centers might offer a sliding scale of fees based on your income.
- There may be free drug and alcohol rehab for Veterans available.
Magellan Insurance Plan Options for Veterans’ Rehab
There are multiple types of health insurance plans available, and each one has different limits on out-of-network care and whether you need a referral to see a specialist such as an addiction specialist.
Common types of health plans that may utilize Magellan Health for behavioral health services include:8
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans. An HMO is one of the most common plan types. With an HMO, only in-network care is covered. Members need a referral to see a specialist but you’ll pay less out of pocket for care.
- Point of Service (POS) plans. PPOs allow members to pay less if they use health care providers within the plan’s network. POS plans require you to get a referral from your primary care doctor in order to see a specialist.
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. A PPO does not require a referral to get out-of-network care and see specialists, although their monthly premium is higher.
- Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. EPOs only cover services provided within the insurer’s network (except in the event of emergencies).
You can expect lower out-of-pocket costs whenever you use in-network providers and much higher out-of-pocket costs with out-of-network providers, even if your plan provides out-of-network coverage.7