First Choice Drug and Alcohol Rehab Coverage

First Choice rehab coverage often covers some addiction treatment services for First Choice members struggling with addiction.

Despite rehab’s importance and life-saving nature, many worry they can’t afford treatment. However, insurance companies like First Choice typically cover some or all of addiction treatment costs, including inpatient rehab.

First Choice Provider Overview

First Choice is an insurance company that doctors and hospitals operate. As an insurer, the company works closely with drug and alcohol treatment centers to help policyholders get needed services. First Choice is usually provided through an employer, and the company is part of the Employee Assistance Program. The Employee Assistance Program helps employees deal with addiction and mental health conditions.

Since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became law, insurance companies, including First Choice, must include addiction treatment as an essential benefit and cover it in a way they would have similar or comparable physical health conditions requiring treatment.

First Choice Plans and Coverage Levels

First Choice Health offers a PPO network for Preferred Provider Organizations. There are more than 120,000 healthcare providers under contract with First Choice.

• Basic Plan: The Basic Plan is available through First Choice Health, with an annual deductible of $1,000 per person. The plan pays around 80% of the costs of most services, and 60% is covered for residential or day treatment for mental health care. 
• Preferred Plan: The Preferred plan covers up to 90% of the costs of the services after your out-of-pocket requirements are met and up to 80% for inpatient mental health care. 
• PreferredPlus Plan: The PreferredPlus plan doesn’t cover out-of-network mental health care services on an inpatient or outpatient basis but will cover up to 80% if you’re in-network.

Does First Choice Insurance Cover Drug and Alcohol Rehab?

First Choice covers drug and alcohol rehab, but there may be limitations. One is that you must meet your out-of-pocket requirements before your coverage kicks in. Another is that you may be limited in the provider or facility you can use for treatment based on whether it’s in or out of network with First Choice. You can verify your coverage directly with First Choice and get a list of providers, or a Recovery Advocate from The Recovery Village Ridgefield can help.

Does First Choice Cover Mental Health Services?

First Choice covers mental health services similarly to the coverage for drug and alcohol rehab. Your coverage is included as an essential health benefit. Once you meet your out-of-pocket maximums and deductibles, your amount of coverage will depend on your location, plan and specific needs. Both inpatient and outpatient mental health services may be covered, including specific types of therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).

First Choice Treatment Duration

When someone goes to treatment, especially on an inpatient, residential basis, they might stay in rehab for a certain period based on their needs and treatment plan. For some people, rehab stays are 30 days; for others, they are 60 or 90 days or more. First Choice may cover some or all of a stay in a treatment center, based on a person’s specific plan and other factors like medical needs.

Many people who receive addiction treatment services participate in a continuum of care. They might begin with the most intensive level of their treatment, such as a medical detox during withdrawal and then an inpatient stay. Once they’re ready and develop new coping skills, they can move into less intense treatment levels on an outpatient basis.

Washington State Rehab That Accepts First Choice

The Recovery Village Ridgefield is a rehab center that partners with First Choice to provide care to people with this insurance. Insurance benefits can be tricky to navigate, so our Recovery Advocates at The Recovery Village Ridgefield can work with your insurer to learn what addiction treatment services will be covered. You can also contact your insurer directly. Even without insurance or if you have out-of-pocket responsibilities in addition to your insurance coverage, we can help you with flexible payment options.

When someone struggles with addiction, it can destroy every aspect of their life, but addiction treatment programs are an opportunity to get a new chance at life in recovery. If you’d like more information about treatment or are ready to take the next steps, contact a Recovery Advocate today.