subject: Discover More About Health Insurance And Addiction Treatment [print this page] In 2008, a federal mandate was enacted called the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equality Act which includes mental disorder to be covered under medical insurance. Mental illness refers to psychological conditions and other mental diseases including drug and alcohol addiction problem. Before 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. Prior to 2008, about 90% of drug abusers don't seek therapy because treatment entails high cost. In 2010, more than a million Americans have been covered insurance for alcohol and drug treatment similar to that for medical and surgical conditions.
Medical insurance companies used to pay less or nothing at all in accordance with the members' plan for drug or alcohol addiction. Most of these companies have tighter rules in availment and provide high amounts of copayments from its members. The new act now ensures that similar payment is provided just like that of surgical and medical procedures. This is included in the terms of the Act passed. This law gives better options to patients and plan holders in availing of treatment for addiction of alcohol and drugs. They can now seek treatment in centers that are efficient and competent. Medicare, the health insurance offered by the government, gives coverage for addiction therapy only when the patient is 65 years old or above that age. A lot of individuals who suffer from addiction have to consider a number of factors before going to therapy. Physical and psychological 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 rehabilitation programs and checking about payment options whether they accept insurance payments is also equally important. Therapy shouldn't be too much of a burden since the ultimate goal is for the healing and improvement of the drug abuser. Checking and researching of best therapy options is an advantage.
Admission in drug rehabilitation programs need not 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 drug and alcohol addiction for the past three years and is continuing to bless more patients who seek a drug-free life.
by: Ericka Lopez
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