Many insurance providers cover some or all of the costs of outpatient rehab.
Thousands of U.S. addiction treatment centers, including Ohio Recovery Centers, accept insurance payments. However, not all insurance plans offer the same coverage and benefits. It’s a good idea to work with an insurance expert at the rehab you choose to help you understand your coverage and make your treatment as affordable as possible.
Does health insurance cover outpatient drug rehab? Does health insurance cover outpatient rehab for alcohol? Read on and find out.
How to Get a Rehab Insurance Coverage Check
As costs are often a main concern when beginning recovery from addiction, it’s important that you know what coverage you’re eligible for from your insurance company.
You can quickly check to see if your insurance covers outpatient by using our easy insurance coverage check tool here.
You can also contact your insurance company directly to request information on your rehab coverage. However, this can sometimes have longer wait times than a treatment center coverage check.
ACA (the Affordable Care Act) became law in March 2010 to make health insurance cheaper and easier. It also aimed to expand Medicaid. The ACA says that everyone can get health insurance, even if they have conditions like substance use disorders. Addiction is one of the ten essential health benefits that all insurance plans must cover.
Depending on your plan, insurance may cover the following addiction treatments:
- Outpatient rehab
- Detox
- Mental health treatment
- Medications
- Inpatient care
- Counseling
- Ongoing therapy
Insurance Coverage for Children up to Age 26
Health insurance plans in the United States commonly provide coverage for dependents up to age 26, including for outpatient rehab services.
This means that if you have a health insurance policy, your children can benefit from the same coverage for addiction treatment and mental health services until they turn 26, regardless of their marital status, living situation, or college enrollment. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), this extended coverage includes a wide range of outpatient services, such as individual and group therapy, medication management, and other treatments essential for recovery from substance use disorders.
Parents should check with their insurance provider to understand the specific terms of coverage, including any deductibles, copayments, or out-of-network restrictions.
Many plans cover outpatient rehab because it is often less expensive than inpatient treatment and can provide the necessary support for long-term recovery. Coverage can include therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based practices that are crucial for treating addiction.
If you’re unsure about your plan’s coverage for outpatient rehab for a dependent up to age 26, contact your insurance company directly. They can provide detailed information about what services are covered, helping you make informed decisions about accessing necessary treatment.
Will FMLA Cover Outpatient Rehab?
Yes, FMLA (the Family and Medical Leave Act) can cover outpatient rehab. FMLA allows eligible workers to take up to 3 months of unpaid leave each year for certain health and family reasons, like getting help for substance abuse. You’ll need a letter from a doctor to show that you need this treatment. While you’re on leave, your job is safe, and your health insurance will still cover you, so you can focus on getting better.
Under FMLA, employees are entitled to up to 12 work weeks of leave in a 12-month period if they are dealing with a serious health condition that makes them unable to perform the essential functions of their job. This coverage can be used for attending outpatient rehab without the risk of losing their job, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria:
- They have worked for their employer for at least 12 months.
- They have at least 1,250 hours of service for the employer during the 12-month period before the start of the leave.
- They work at a location where the employer has at least 50 employees within 75 miles.
To use FMLA leave for outpatient rehab, employees must provide their employer with appropriate documentation from a healthcare provider that outlines the need for treatment and the expected duration. While FMLA does not require the employer to pay for the time off, it does ensure that the employee can return to their position or an equivalent one with the same pay, benefits, and terms and conditions of employment upon rehab completion.
It’s important for employees to communicate with their HR department about their need for time off for outpatient rehab under FMLA. Employers may also require a second or third medical opinion (at the employer’s expense) and periodic recertification of the health condition.
In summary, while FMLA does not cover the costs of outpatient rehab, it does protect your job while you seek the treatment necessary to recover from a substance use disorder or other serious health conditions.

Get Insurance-Covered Outpatient Treatment at Ohio Recovery Centers
At Ohio Recovery Centers, we help people with drug or alcohol addictions through outpatient treatment. This lets you get the care you need while taking care of your everyday tasks. If you need more structured help, we also have more intense outpatient treatment to help you on your journey to lasting recovery.
Our programs in Cincinnati are designed to fit each person’s unique needs, using proven treatments. We combine medication, therapy, and counseling to give you the best chance at recovery. We also offer other therapies like yoga and art to support your healing. Outpatient treatment at Ohio Recovery Centers is covered by health insurance.
Call our friendly team today to get started on your addiction treatment journey at (877) 679-2132.