When someone makes the life-changing decision to seek treatment for drug or alcohol addiction, one of the first questions they often ask is: “Does insurance cover rehab in California?”
The good news is that in most cases, yes — insurance can help cover rehab costs. Thanks to federal and state laws, many health insurance plans are required to provide coverage for substance use disorder treatment, including both inpatient and outpatient rehab programs.
How Insurance Coverage for Rehab Works in California
- Affordable Care Act (ACA) Requirements
Under the ACA, addiction treatment is considered an essential health benefit. This means most insurance plans must provide some level of coverage for services like detox, therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and residential rehab. - Medical and State Programs
California residents may qualify for Medi-Cal, which often covers addiction treatment at little to no cost. Some state-funded programs also provide support for those without private insurance. - Private Health Insurance
Many private insurers (such as Anthem Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente, Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare) include substance use treatment as part of behavioral health coverage. The level of coverage, however, varies depending on your plan.
What’s Typically Covered?
While exact benefits differ by policy, insurance may cover:
- Medical detox and stabilization
- Inpatient/residential rehab
- Outpatient rehab programs
- Counseling and therapy (individual and group)
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Aftercare support
What You’ll Likely Need to Pay
Even with insurance, you may still be responsible for:
- Copays for therapy sessions or doctor visits
- Deductibles (the amount you pay before insurance kicks in)
- Coinsurance (a percentage of costs shared with your insurer)
How to Check Your Rehab Insurance Coverage
If you’re unsure whether your plan covers addiction treatment in California, here’s what to do:
- Call your insurance provider directly and ask about substance use treatment benefits.
- Request a verification of benefits from a rehab center you’re considering. Most facilities, including ours, can contact your insurer and explain exactly what’s covered.
Why Insurance Coverage Matters
Rehab can be life-changing, but cost is often a barrier. Understanding your insurance options makes it easier to take that first step toward recovery without financial stress holding you back.
At Gev’s Recovery, we work with major insurance providers in California to help make treatment as accessible as possible. Our team can quickly verify your benefits and guide you through the process.
📞 Call us today to check your rehab insurance coverage — and start your path to recovery.