UMR Health Insurance Coverage for Alcohol Abuse Treatment

Does UMR Health Insurance Cover Alcohol Rehab?

Due to its legal nature and accessibility, alcohol addiction is considered one of the most common addiction problems in the USA. Numbers have shown that around 85% of people aged 18 and older have tasted alcohol.1

Alcohol consumption can vary from occasional consumption to binge and high-intensity use, which may lead to severe consequences.1

Due to the stigmatization of alcohol abuse and fear of judgment, it can be challenging for people to seek addiction treatment. The general lack of information regarding alcohol rehab tends to instill fear into those who need help. Many are unaware of the problem until it snowballs and takes a severe toll.1

What is UMR Insurance?

Bridging the gap between the insurance users and the insurance companies is UMR’s primary concern. While not a health insurance provider in itself, UMR coverage nationwide provides necessary assistance regarding mental help and negotiates coverage amounts between potential clients and partnering insurance companies.2

UMR is connected to over 3000 health care providers and works toward creating opportunities for clients to deal with substance abuse and rehabilitation issues. UMR nationwide coverage allows it to support clients and insurance companies to both parties benefit.2

What Does UMR Alcohol Treatment Involve?

The exact aspects of each type of treatment may vary depending on the partnering insurance company, but, in general, services that commonly included in an UMR-covered alcohol rehab program are as follows:4

• Screenings involve identifying individuals with alcohol use disorders and the need for treatment.
• Interventions encourage people to seek treatment with the help of their loved ones and a licensed interventionist.
• Detox is necessary for people with alcohol use disorders to rid their bodies of toxic substances. This can help people cope with the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
• Behavioral therapies are inspired by the belief that learning processes play an essential role in developing maladaptive behavior patterns, such as substance abuse. Through cognitive-behavioral therapy, individuals learn to recognize and correct problematic behavior through various skills that stop drug abuse and address the diverse problems that often co-occur with it. 3

• Inpatient treatment is implemented into the treatment when an individual has severe alcohol use disorder. Various group and individual therapies, counseling sessions, and other activities aimed at recovery are a part of this program.
• Outpatient treatment is a more relaxed form of treatment where individuals stay at home while they need to attend their therapy sessions at a scheduled time. People who do not require inpatient care or who cannot leave work or school to attend rehab may find this type of treatment useful.
• Treatment for co-occurring disorders plays a significant role because it helps treat mental issues that can develop during alcohol use. Mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and OCD are common among people with alcohol use disorders. To achieve remission from both disorders, AUD and the co-occurring disorder must be treated simultaneously.

What UMR May Not Cover For Alcohol Treatment

Insurance companies that work with UMR are renowned for offering options for addiction treatment, but not everything is necessarily fully covered. Services typically not covered:2

• Holistic care services that aren’t directly related to the treatment itself; activities like yoga classes, meditation, or any other alternative healing method.

• Recreational activities like gym, spa, swimming, or hiking.

• Private treatment services involve auxiliary services like food delivery, internet access, and concierge services.
• Payment plans

How Much Does Alcohol Rehab Cost?

The exact price of alcohol rehab depends on several elements. People sometimes avoid reaching out to a treatment provider, as it can be pretty confusing to pinpoint the price. Here are a few aspects to consider:4

• Treatment type (inpatient, outpatient)
• Treatment duration
• Facility location
• Services included in the program
• Individual insurance

A potential client can get a better grasp on their price if they refer to an admissions navigator when they initially seek information, either by contacting a rehab center via phone or during their intake.4

The Cost Of Inpatient Alcohol Rehab

The exact price varies for multiple reasons. Inpatient rehab programs are generally more expensive than the outpatient since the client is attending the facility. From that point on, the price is adjusted according to the length of the program and additional services that may be included. Holistic services like spas and massages can affect the price. There are also dietary options, gym and fitness programs.5

Although inpatient programs tend to be the more expensive option, they are a more straightforward path toward recovery due to the number and intensity of services offered.5

The Cost Of Outpatient Alcohol Rehab

The outpatient option is more budget-friendly oriented but also more flexible. The patient can attend a school or have a job and participate in an outpatient alcohol rehab program by attending regular sessions. Outpatient programs are usually more affordable because an individual is not paying for accommodation or additional services. Patients often find that their UMR insurance covers at least a portion of the cost of outpatient alcohol rehab.5

The Cost of Alcohol Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

PHP programs are somewhere between inpatient and outpatient programs because they combine features of outpatient and inpatient programs and their price fits this. Partial hospitalization programs do not include accommodation which makes them more affordable than inpatient stays, but the program is designed so that an individual attends sessions throughout the whole day.4 

The Cost Of Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) aims to provide a holistic treatment approach for substance use disorders by using medications in conjunction with counseling and behavioral therapy. MAT treatments are approved by the Food And Drug Administration (FDA) and clinically driven, tailored to meet the needs of each patient.6

There is no set cost for UMR addiction treatment using MAT, but it may depend on the timeframe, type of treatment, and additional services (e.g., drug administration, counseling, or testing). The benefits come from the combination of medication and behavioral therapy provided by MAT.6

The most commonly prescribed medications to treat alcohol use disorders are acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone. People who participate in a MAT program are most likely to benefit from them.6

How Expensive Is Alcohol Addiction?

Many people are reluctant to seek treatment because of a lack of funding or insurance. Despite the cost of treatment, addiction is actually more expensive.8

Excessive alcohol consumption cost the United States $249 billion in 2010 or approximately $2.05 per drink. Nearly three-quarters of those costs were related to binge drinking. Binge drinking refers to approximately 5 or more drinks per occasion. All taxpayers are paying the price of excessive consumption of alcohol nationwide.7

Treatment can help reduce the costs of substance abuse, which amount to over $600 billion each year. There is strong evidence showing that substance addiction treatment reduces health and social costs far more than the cost of substance abuse itself. A treatment program is also far more affordable than the alternatives, such as incarcerating addicted individuals. An average annual methadone maintenance cost is approximately $4,700 per patient, whereas a yearly average prison term costs roughly $24,000.3

The negative impact of alcohol consumption on employment and productivity is exacerbated by drinking more than one drink a day for women and 1.5 drinks a day for men. Excessive drinking may lead to health problems that lead to expensive medical treatment and negatively affect the family budget.9

The Duration Of UMR-Covered Alcohol Rehab

The treatment duration varies depending on an individual’s needs. UMR healthcare plans should be able to cover the majority of treatment costs, but it is always worth checking the details of the policy with the company.2

Alcohol rehabilitation is a  process that requires both time and dedication to take effect. Longer treatment is always the better option as it offers more space for success and reduces the risk of relapse.3

Inpatient treatment is longer and it allows the patient to eventually improve the quality of life. Patients learn coping mechanisms in rehab facilities and how to apply them in their everyday activities. Also, staying in a UMR substance abuse treatment facility allows people to connect, share their experiences, and bond over a common struggle.3

Starting rehabilitation is not a simple task, but with enough information, people are more open to making the first step. All of the information is available through the admission advisor on the UMR helpline.2

UMR can answer any questions you have about your insurance coverage. If you need any information, please do not hesitate to ask for it. All calls are completely confidential, so callers can feel free to share your concerns honestly and openly.2

The Difference Between Inpatient And Outpatient Alcohol Rehab Centers

Inpatient and outpatient treatment vary in many aspects. The most significant difference is that inpatient treatment requires the user to stay within the premises of the treatment center during the rehabilitation. In contrast, the outpatient requires the patient to attend regular seances and consultations.2

The outpatient variant is more relaxed and better suited for people with a less severe addiction who can get help and proceed with their everyday activities. However, outpatient programs can’t focus as much on the individual as the inpatient program would.2

The inpatient treatment is more expensive but, in turn, provides more detailed care for every participant. The patient is required to stay within the rehab center for the duration of the treatment. This allows them to fully commit to the treatment, which may secure a better outcome.2

Using UMR Insurance For Alcohol Rehab

The first step towards rehab is finding out what your UMR insurance coverage entails. Insurance companies generally require you to cover a deductible before accessing alcohol abuse treatment benefits. The next step is to locate the nearest facilities in your area. Choosing a center near you will reduce travel costs and avoid unexpected treatment costs.4

Each time you visit, the provider or facility may also require you to pay a copay. Patients can contact their UMR rehab center to discover how much the copay is and how many appointments a year are covered.4

How To Find Providers That Accept UMR Substance Abuse Coverage

Contacting a helpline of your insurance will provide sufficient information on whether there are local UMR substance abuse treatment facilities. You can also contact a local alcohol and drug rehab hotline to learn about treatment covered by UMR.

If you need more information, you can refer to The American Addiction Centers (AAC). On their website, you can find information about payment options offered at their centers. The most efficient way to understand your insurance coverage is to let a licensed admission advisor guide you through it and eventually find the best treatment center for you.