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If you are considering using Medicaid in Colorado for addiction treatment, you may have encountered contradicting advice and confusing terminology during your research. Consider the information below when using Medicaid to cover all or part of your addiction treatment at outpatient drug rehab facilities, such as Magnolia Medical Group
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Using Colorado Medicaid for Addiction Treatment
Are you aware that Colorado offers comprehensive treatment for addictions and substance abuse through Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program)? If you have been delaying treatment due to a lack of health insurance, it’s time to look into addiction treatment through this resource. Learn more below about Medicaid and Medicare, the types of conditions Medicaid covers, and the qualifying information you may need to disclose.
What Are Medicaid and Medicare?
Many people have private health insurance through their employers. Others who are self-employed may also purchase private health insurance that covers a variety of their health-related expenses. If you are pregnant, are caring for dependents under 18, or have specific disabilities, you may qualify for Medicaid — a health insurance program that is funded by the United States federal and individual state governments. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act of 2010, Medicaid now covers most low-income adults as well.
Medicare is also a federally sponsored health insurance plan, but it is slightly different in that it only covers adults over 65 years of age and younger individuals with specific disabilities. Medicare will likely cover your addiction treatment, but only if you meet the age or disability requirement first.
Does Medicaid Cover Addiction Treatment?
Yes. Under the ACA, Colorado residents who qualify for Medicaid are able to use their benefits for drug and alcohol addiction treatment.
Qualifying for Medicaid in Colorado
To qualify for Medicaid, you must meet the income requirements, be under 18, or be pregnant. If you are not currently pregnant or qualify due to your age, you may want to review the income requirements in Colorado to determine whether you are eligible.
What Services Does Colorado Medicaid for Addiction Treatment Cover?
Addiction treatment can be very complex, and there is no “one size fits all” plan. Fortunately, Colorado’s Medicaid covers a vast array of detoxification, withdrawal medication, and emergency services related to addiction. When you visit Magnolia Medical Group for your assessment, you may develop an individualized treatment plan with us that involves one or more of the following components (all of which are covered by Medicaid):
• Assessment for drug and alcohol addiction
• Physical detoxification programs
• Medication-assisted treatment programs
• Outpatient treatment
• Safety assessment and monitoring (if suicidal ideation is a concern)Medication to treat withdrawal symptoms in an outpatient setting
Applying for Colorado Medicaid for Addiction Treatment if You Have Previously Been Turned Down for Coverage
You should visit a local county office or log onto Health First Colorado to determine your eligibility to apply for Medicaid. When you fill out the application, you’ll need to have basic information on hand, such as your social security number or immigration documents, contact information, and income information. If you are currently employed, even if you qualify for Medicaid, you will need to provide this information as well. Don’t worry if other people in your family or household do not qualify for Medicaid based on income or purchase private health insurance. This does not necessarily disqualify you from Medicaid.
Being denied coverage can be confusing and disheartening — especially if you are trying to overcome a condition as multifaceted as drug and alcohol addiction. Evidence-based medicine suggests that many patients have a high chance of relapse without medication-assisted therapy in conjunction with counseling. If you think you qualify based on rules that have changed within recent years, or if you now meet certain income guidelines or are currently pregnant, we encourage you to reapply and enroll in treatment centers in Colorado that accept Medicaid.
Magnolia Medical Group: Outpatient Drug Rehab in Denver
Drug and alcohol addiction are national health crises that have the potential to affect the physical and mental health of entire families. Magnolia Medical Group has a long history of providing outstanding care to Colorado residents in Denver and beyond. If you are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction or have a difficult-to-treat dual diagnosis that affects your sobriety, we’re here to help.
We are one of few outpatient dual diagnosis treatment centers that accept Medicaid in Colorado. If you need help but do not want to commit to staying in an inpatient facility, schedule your intake appointment so that we may better assess your needs at this time. We look forward to serving you and your loved ones.