Does VA Insurance Cover Addiction Treatment?

Does VA Insurance Cover Mental Health and Co-Occurring Disorders?

Veterans face unique healthcare challenges that many in the general population do not. Co-occurring mental health disorders that afflict veterans can often feed other conditions. It’s no wonder that veterans, especially those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are far more likely to struggle with addiction.¹

There is good news; your VA insurance benefits can be used to help you overcome this struggle. Substance abuse treatment could be part of your VA benefits. In fact, due to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all permanent health insurance plans are required to include at least some coverage for addiction and mental health disorders.²

The VA recognizes that military service has a dramatic impact on mental health. It takes a great deal of courage to serve your country, and dealing with what you see and experience in the field takes a lot of strength as well. As such, the VA works to cover a variety of treatments for mental health disorders.

Mental health services that may be covered by VA benefits include:³

• Military sexual trauma (MST).
• Anxiety.
• Grief.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Substance abuse.
• Depression.
• Other needs.

These substance abuse and mental health benefits are defined as essential services in the ACA. This means that health insurance organizations, like the VA, must provide some kind of coverage for them. Available treatment options for veterans include inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, counseling, and other medical services.

How Do I Get Addiction Treatment Through VA Insurance?

In order to use your VA benefits, you need to enroll for coverage. Haven’t applied for VA care yet? It’s time to take advantage of this medical coverage. The VA website can walk you through the enrollment process and help detail what benefits you may be eligible for.⁴

Once you are enrolled, you’ll choose a VA medical provider and talk to him or her about your needs. Your doctor can provide medical screenings, make referrals, and diagnose substance use disorder and other co-occurring issues such as anxiety, PTSD, or depression.

As you look into treatment options, be sure to identify facilities that work with the VA and have veteran-specific treatment programs. It’s also worth remember that the VA’s Community Care program can connect you and veterans with services not offered by VA providers. Additionally, some of our facilities offer the Salute to Recovery program, which can help you address the specific needs you have as a veteran and military member.

Don’t currently have a VA doctor? Getting one is easy. Just contact your local VA center or call the VA at 800-827-1000. They’ll let you know what providers are available and help you schedule an in-person or virtual appointment.⁵

Contact us today to talk with an Admissions Navigator who will give you the information you need to make the right decision for you and your loved ones.

What if I Have VA Insurance and Another Health Insurance Plan?

Having other health insurance alongside your VA benefits is common. It could be Medicare, a private insurance plan, Medicaid, or TRICARE. The good news is that you can still use your VA benefits in tandem with other types of health insurance.⁶

You’ll need to give the VA the information about your other health insurance so they can determine who to bill for each service. Your non-VA provider will be billed for non-service-connected treatment, and your VA insurance will cover service-connected issues.

Even if you already have VA insurance benefits, you’ll want to sign up for Medicare when you turn 65. That way you can see doctors outside the VA system—and if budget cuts affect your VA care, you’ll still have the coverage you need.

How to Check for Insurance Coverage as a Veteran

You have the strength it takes to serve your country, and you have the strength to overcome substance abuse as well. To get started, simply fill in the confidential form below to check your insurance coverage and benefits.

Addiction Treatment Designed for Veterans

Substance abuse programs for veterans need to differ from treatment for the average American. This is because veterans face a number of unique challenges when receiving substance abuse treatment. It could be PTSD, survivor’s guilt, or simply the stress of dealing with the specific demands of military service. These issues need to be addressed in order for you to overcome your dependency. Veterans-specific programming that have staff trained in veterans’ issues, and which work to build a sense of community amongst participants, are often one of the best avenues for veterans seeking substance abuse treatment.

The VA is the first place to look for care. However, other programs are available as well. If the VA programs are full, or if you want additional options, the VA can help you find a private treatment provider like the ones we have around the country. You can work with facilities that are part of the VA’s community care provider network.

Because addiction is such a struggle for veterans, VA treatment programs are in high demand. There may be a waitlist for a program near you. Finding a private treatment center that offers a veteran-specific program can help you get the help you need while respecting and addressing your military service.

TRICARE

TRICARE offers health coverage for active-duty military members and some veterans. This coverage can work with your VA benefits to get you on the path to recovery.

With TRICARE, you may have access to treatments such as:⁷

• Detox.
• Drug testing.
• Inpatient treatment programs.
• Outpatient treatment programs.
• Opioid and other substance abuse disorder treatment.
• Family therapy.

Medicare

Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance for Americans over 65 and people with certain disabilities. While many veterans use Medicare alongside VA benefits, but you cannot use both simultaneously.

To use your VA benefits, you’ll need to see a VA doctor or attend a VA treatment program. When you visit a non-VA doctor or look for a private treatment program without using your VA insurance, your Medicare Part A and Part B will apply.

The VA hospital does offer more benefits than Medicare-approved providers. But if the VA programs are full or are too far from home, your Medicare benefits can help you get the treatment you need. Be sure to check with the treatment program to get advice about whether it would be best to get a VA referral or use Medicare.

Medicaid

Almost 10% of veterans are low-income and qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid is a state-based health insurance program that helps lower-income people get the medical care they need.⁸
Not all addiction programs will accept Medicaid for payment, but some will. Before you decide to use Medicaid instead of VA benefits, be sure to connect with the treatment program to ensure that Medicare is accepted.