How Optum Rehab Can Help You Access Quality Addiction Treatment

July 21, 2021 by Mark Adams

Addiction is a challenging and deeply personal struggle, which can often make finding the proper treatment feel overwhelming. While many who struggle with addiction recognize the need for professional treatment, they frequently encounter many barriers in accessing that care, particularly the high costs of rehab programs. Fortunately, Optum Rehab, a part of the UnitedHealth Group, is committed to helping individuals access high-quality addiction treatment services tailored to their specific needs.

These services help UnitedHealthcare policyholders access and pay for addiction rehab using insurance, making it easier and more affordable to get the help they need. Through personalized care and comprehensive support, Optum connects individuals to the resources they need to begin their recovery journey.

UnitedHealth Group states that Optum’s mission is to streamline the healthcare experience for patients, enhance accessibility to high-quality care, and improve overall patient outcomes.

Whether you need inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient programs, therapy, or medication-assisted treatment, Optum has a broad network of treatment providers equipped with the expertise necessary to guide you through your recovery process.

Optum’s network includes traditional and innovative treatment options, providing flexibility and customization for each individual’s recovery path. Collaborating closely with UnitedHealth, Optum ensures that various treatment options are covered under different insurance plans, alleviating the financial strain that often deters individuals from seeking assistance.

UnitedHealthcare policyholders must recognize this invaluable resource and its extensive range of services, which can facilitate a smoother recovery journey.

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What Is Optum for Rehab?

Optum is a distinct business platform within UnitedHealth Group, alongside UnitedHealthcare, which focuses on health insurance and benefits. This service helps policyholders use UnitedHealthcare to attend addiction rehab by providing a network of resources, including specialists, advocates, and referrals to evidence-based treatment centers. Optum for rehab typically integrates with other healthcare services to offer comprehensive, coordinated care.

A study featured in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment highlights that a significant obstacle for patients who have completed detox is the lack of continuity in care, especially in terms of care coordination and treatment options that align with their individual preferences and needs.

Optum addresses these challenges by streamlining care and connecting individuals with suitable treatment alternatives, such as inpatient rehabilitation, partial hospitalization programs, or intensive outpatient services.

As part of UnitedHealth Group, Optum frequently collaborates with UnitedHealth’s insurance plans, such as UnitedHealthcare, to deliver rehabilitation services covered under health insurance policies. Optum is instrumental in managing the care and claims related to rehab services for UnitedHealth insurance members.

Furthermore, the services extend to assisting policyholders with the pre-authorization process, guiding them on the necessary documentation and submission procedures, and helping members navigate out-of-pocket expenses like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

How Can Optum Connect You With High-Quality Addiction Treatment Providers?

Does insurance cover addiction treatment? This financial aspect of addiction treatment poses a significant obstacle for many individuals seeking assistance. Although numerous people have health insurance that covers addiction services, understanding their plans and the extent of their coverage can be quite challenging, particularly when it comes to determining the type of treatment required and the facilities that their insurance will accept.

Optum is crucial in facilitating access to addiction rehabilitation for UnitedHealthcare members by connecting them with reputable treatment providers through various means, including a comprehensive network of professionals, tailored care coordination, and a host of additional services and resources.

Optum has an extensive network of addiction treatment centers and providers, including inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services, therapists, and counselors. They work with various professionals and facilities to provide a range of treatment options, from detox programs to long-term recovery support.

Members are assigned a dedicated care manager who helps assess their specific needs, identify appropriate treatment options, and guide them through the process of selecting a provider that best fits their needs.

As part of UnitedHealth Group’s integrated health plans, Optum ensures members have access to in-network providers, which often means lower costs and a more seamless process.

Furthermore, they offer around-the-clock support, which can be essential for those who need urgent assistance or guidance. They provide a 24/7 helpline where people can speak with trained professionals for immediate help, advice, and directions toward appropriate treatment resources.

does optum cover the cost of alcohol or drug rehab

Does Insurance Pay for Substance Abuse Treatment?

Addiction treatment services are classified as essential health benefits, which means that significant health insurance companies, such as UnitedHealthcare, are likely to cover some or all expenses related to drug and alcohol addiction treatment.

This is particularly applicable for plans acquired through the Health Insurance Marketplace, as these plans are mandated to include coverage for mental health services and substance use disorders under the Affordable Care Act, according to Healthline. However, the level of coverage can vary based on the specific insurance policy.

Insurance may encompass a range of treatment options, including inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, detox services, therapy, counseling, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). It’s crucial to consider potential out-of-pocket expenses and any applicable limitations.

While insurance can cover rehab services, policyholders might still need to pay deductibles and copays. Additionally, many insurance providers require pre-authorization to verify that the treatment is medically necessary. There may also be restrictions on the number of sessions or the duration of treatment, and coverage might only extend to in-network providers.

Optum assists UnitedHealthcare policyholders by clarifying their coverage and providing insights into the costs associated with addiction treatment. They also offer resources to help individuals understand their financial obligations.

Some plans may provide access to financial aid programs or payment plans to make rehabilitation more affordable. Optum rehab facilitates treatment coordination for policyholders, connects them with in-network providers, and simplifies the payment process, all to enhance efficiency and affordability in healthcare.

find addiction treatment with optum rehab

Does Optum Cover Mental Health Services?

As a key component of UnitedHealth Group’s comprehensive health plans, Optum facilitates its policyholders’ access to mental health services. Their behavioral health offerings encompass more than just addiction treatment; they also assist co-occurring mental health disorders.

For individuals grappling with both addiction and mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or PTSD, Optum can link them with providers skilled in addressing both challenges concurrently. Additionally, they offer telehealth options, including virtual therapy and support groups, ensuring that individuals can receive care regardless of location.

OptumRx, Optum’s pharmacy care division, provides prescription management services essential for mental health treatment. They partner with health plans to manage drug benefits by maintaining medication lists, offering mail-order services, and implementing cost-saving strategies. Additionally, OptumRx offers medication counseling to help patients understand usage and address potential side effects or interactions.

Access Optum Rehab Coverage at WhiteSands Treatment

If you are covered by UnitedHealthcare, utilizing Optum rehab can connect you with trusted addiction treatment facilities such as WhiteSands Treatment. Our treatment programs aim to uncover and address the underlying causes of substance use disorders while also providing patients with effective coping mechanisms for sustainable recovery.

We accept most major insurance plans and will collaborate with your insurance provider to clarify your coverage details. Furthermore, we offer a range of payment plans and financing options to ensure that those without insurance or whose plans do not fully cover necessary treatments can still access high-quality care.

To verify your insurance or to learn more about our addiction treatment services, call WhiteSands Treatment today at 877-855-3470.

Popular Insurances & Addiction Treatment Coverages:

External Sources

UnitedHealth Group – Accelerating value-based care
Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment – Barriers to accessing treatment for substance use after inpatient managed withdrawal (Detox): A qualitative study
Healthline – How to Know if Your Insurance Covers Therapy

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

Mark is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.