Discover More About Health Insurance And Addiction Treatment

In 2008, a federal law was enacted called the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equality Act which includes mental illness to be covered under medical insurance. Mental illness refers to psychological disorders and other mental diseases including alcohol and drug addiction problem. Prior to the passing of this law, health insurance firms generally pay only for surgical and medical conditions and pay less or nothing for treatment of alcohol and drug addiction. The recent statistics of drug addiction in the country has prompted the passing of this law. Before 2008, about 90% of drug abusers don't seek therapy because treatment entails high-cost. In 2010, over a million Americans have been covered insurance for drug and alcohol treatment similar to that for medical and surgical conditions.

Medical insurance companies used to pay less or nothing at all depending on the members' plan for drug or alcohol addiction. Most of these companies have stricter rules in availment and provide high amounts of copayments from its members. The new act now guarantees that similar payment is provided just like that of medical or surgical procedures. This is included in the provisions of the Act passed. This particular law gives better choices to patients and plan holders in availing of therapy for addiction of alcohol and drugs. They can now seek treatment in facilities which are competent and efficient. Medicare, the health insurance offered by the government, provides coverage for addiction therapy only when the patient is 65 years old or above that age.

A lot of individuals who suffer from addiction must consider a number of factors before going to treatment. Psychological and physical effects of withdrawal often weaken a patient's determination to continue treatment. Another is the price of treatment. If an individual has an insurance plan, it's wise to check if it covers treatment for addiction. Visiting drug treatment programs and checking about payment options whether they accept insurance payments is also equally important. Therapy should not be too much of a burden since the ultimate goal is for the improvement and healing of the drug addict. Checking and researching of best treatment options is an advantage.

Admission in drug rehabilitation programs doesn't have to be expensive specially with the passing of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equality Act. This law has helped so many people who are suffering from alcohol and drug addiction for the past three years and is continuing to bless more patients who seek a drug-free life.


----------------------------------------------------
Ericka Lopez writes about topics related to drug treatment programs in Cary, if you want to read more about her works visit http://www.drugstrategies.org/Colorado/Fort-Collins/


EasyPublish this article: http://submityourarticle.com/articles/easypublish.php?art_id=282357