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By Naomi Carr

Last updated: 15 March 2024 & medically reviewed by Morgan Blair

UnitedHealth Group provides healthcare insurance in many countries and across all states in the US. This page will provide an overview of the drug and alcohol services provided by UnitedHealth Group.

United HealthGroup Drug and Alcohol Rehab Coverage

UnitedHealth Group Insurance overview

UnitedHealth Group includes two companies: United Healthcare and Optum. They provide healthcare services to people across the world and in all 50 US states, serving over 152 million people. UnitedHealth Group was founded in 1977 and has grown over the last five decades to provide up-to-date healthcare services and insurance. [1][2]

Does UnitedHealth Group health insurance cover substance use disorder treatment?

Yes, UnitedHealth Group covers substance use disorder services within all of their insurance plans. Following the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in 2014, substance use disorder treatment has become a standard inclusion of health insurance. [3]

Depending on your plan and the provider you choose, you may need to pay out-of-pocket for some or all of your treatment. UnitedHealthcare offers various plans, which cover all or most of the cost for in-network providers and vary in coverage for out-of-network providers. [4]

As such, the amount and type of treatment may be partly or entirely covered by your insurance plan with UnitedHealthcare. It is best to contact them before planning your treatment to find out exactly which services and providers are included in your plan and how much you may have to pay out-of-pocket.

What types of addiction do UnitedHealth Group cover?

Generally, insurance coverage will not differ depending on the type of addiction, so all substances will be covered by your plan. This can include:

For specific requirements relating to your addiction treatment, contact patient services at UnitedHealth Group for more information. 

Do they cover inpatient treatment?

Depending on your plan and the provider you choose, UnitedHealth Group will cover inpatient treatment. Typically, alcohol and benzodiazepine detox treatment will be covered, as these treatments may be dangerous without professional monitoring and support. [2]

An inpatient provider that is in-network will usually be mostly or entirely covered by your plan, while an out-of-network provider may not be covered or only partially covered. UnitedHealth Group has in-network providers across the US, so it should be possible to find nearby inpatient treatment that is covered within your plan. [4]

Do they cover medically assisted treatment?

Medications are often a necessary part of substance use disorder treatment and can include treatments for detox, withdrawal symptoms, associated mental and physical health concerns, and maintenance therapy. Generally, these medications will be covered by your insurance plan if they are required for treatment.

Medications that are likely to be fully or partially covered by UnitedHealth Group insurance plans include:

  • Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is an opioid medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It can help with the detox process and can be used as a maintenance therapy. [5]

  • Suboxone: Suboxone is a medication containing a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. It is also used to treat opioid use disorder and can be used short-term or long-term to help with detox and maintenance treatment. [6]

  • Methadone: Methadone is an opioid medication that is used to treat opioid use disorder. It can be used in the detox process and as a maintenance treatment. [7]

  • Disulfiram: Disulfiram, commonly known by the brand name Antabuse, is a medication used in the short-term and long-term treatment of alcohol dependence. [8]

Does UnitedHealth Group Health Insurance cover outpatient treatment?

United HealthGroup will cover part or all of an outpatient treatment plan depending on your needs, plan, and the provider you choose. Outpatient treatment can range from a standard weekly therapy to an intensive program, so the level of coverage provided can vary depending on the required costs and the type of plan you have. Again, in-network providers will include more coverage than out-of-network providers.

What therapy, counseling, and aftercare services are covered?

Some aftercare services will likely be covered by your insurance plan, as this will often be deemed a necessary part of your treatment. To find out exactly which treatments are covered and how much you might have to pay out-of-pocket, call the patient services phone number on the back of your insurance card to discuss your plan.

Ongoing interventions can be vital to a successful recovery process and can include evidence-based treatments such as: [9]

UnitedHealth Group offers a substance use disorder helpline at 1-855-780-5955, that is free of charge, open 24/7, and confidential. This can be helpful both before and after receiving treatment, as trained professionals can offer guidance, support, and advice on your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. [10]

They also provide a Self Care app and other phone or virtual support services that can provide support with mental health issues that may occur throughout your recovery process. Contact UnitedHealth Group to find out more about these services and if they are included in your plan. [11]

FAQs

What length of treatment do they cover?

The length of treatment that will be covered will vary depending on your plan and the requirements of your treatment. Longer stays may require some out-of-pocket payments. UnitedHealth Group can advise you on your level of coverage.

How can I contact them to find out more?

You can call the phone number on the back of your card, log in to your profile on the website listed on the back of your card, or call the substance use disorder helpline at 1-855-780-5955 for guidance and advice. [10]