Using Alabama Cigna Health Insurance for Addiction Treatment

Yes, Cigna health insurance may offer full or partial coverage for inpatient rehab for substance use disorder (SUD) in Alabama or out of state, depending on your specific plan. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates that insurance providers, including Cigna, must include essential health benefits like mental health and SUD treatment.⁵ This means that coverage for SUD treatment should be available, but the extent of coverage can vary based on factors such as your plan, the facility’s location, and the specific treatment services you receive.⁵

A doctor or mental health professional can help determine which inpatient treatment plan may be best for you. There are varying levels of inpatient care, from residential treatment to partial hospitalization programs (PHP).⁶

When seeking inpatient rehab for SUD, consider whether the facility is in-network with Cigna. In-network facilities typically have negotiated rates with the insurance provider, which can lead to more favorable coverage and lower out-of-pocket costs. Out-of-network facilities may still be covered, but the coverage levels may be reduced, resulting in higher expenses. To get a clear understanding of your exact coverage for inpatient rehab, contact Cigna directly.

Yes, if you’re considering outpatient drug rehab, Cigna may offer full or partial coverage, depending on your specific plan.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires insurance providers like Cigna to offer essential health benefits, which include mental health and substance use disorder services.⁵ Outpatient rehab involves attending therapy sessions and support groups at a facility while living at home. Outpatient treatment can vary in duration and intensity. For example, an intensive outpatient program (IOP) may be similar to an inpatient program with daily sessions for several hours at a time, while a standard outpatient program may meet less frequently.⁶

Yes. Cigna provides full or partial coverage for mental health treatment in Alabama or out of state. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) ensures you can obtain treatment for substance misuse and mental health disorders.

Therapy is instrumental in the recovery process. Some of the therapies involved include the following:^{7, 8, 9}

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a form of psychotherapy that aims to identify and modify negative behaviors and thought patterns to promote positive changes in emotional and mental well-being.
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a psychotherapy approach that helps individuals process and reduce the distress associated with traumatic memories through guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation.
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): DBT is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that helps individuals cope with emotions and improve overall well-being by focusing on emotional regulation and mindfulness.
• Family therapy: This is a form of psychotherapy that involves treating the entire family. The goals are to foster a healthier and more supportive family dynamic by improving communication and resolving conflicts.

Paying for the cost of drug or alcohol rehab can be challenging, but various options can help individuals with insurance and without insurance.

If you have Cigna health insurance:

• Review your policy: Start by reviewing your policy to understand the extent of coverage for addiction treatment. As mentioned, Cigna may cover at least a portion of rehab costs, including inpatient or outpatient treatment, detox, and therapy.
• Search for in-network providers: When possible, choose addiction treatment facilities that are in the Cigna rehab provider network. In-network facilities have negotiated rates with Cigna, resulting in lower out-of-pocket expenses for you.
• Contact Cigna: It’s a good idea to contact Cigna to verify what services are covered and any limitations or restrictions.
• Ask about payment plans: If your Cigna plan doesn’t cover the full cost of treatment, come rehab centers offer payment plans, allowing you to spread out the cost of treatment over time, making it more manageable.
• Use Our Directories Tool: Check and see which rehabs take Cigna Insurance.

If you don’t have insurance, you still have options to pay for treatment:

• Sliding scales: Many addiction treatment centers offer sliding scale fees based on a person’s income or financial situation. These fees can help reduce the overall cost of treatment.
• Government funding: Some rehab centers receive government funding or operate as non-profit organizations, providing low-cost or even free services to those who cannot afford private treatment.
• Scholarships and grants: Some facilities offer scholarships or grants to individuals who meet specific criteria, which can help cover the cost of rehab partially or entirely.
• Local resources: You can also check for state or local resources that may provide financial assistance for addiction treatment.

Regardless of insurance status, it’s important to explore all available options if you are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. If you or a loved one are struggling, know that you are not alone. Get started on your recovery right now with our free rehab locator tool, where you can find addiction treatment facilities that take insurance, inpatient rehabs, outpatient rehab programs, and much more.

1. The Cigna Group. (n.d.). About us.
2. The Cigna Group. (n.d.). Company profile.
3. The Cigna Group. (n.d.). Treatment for substance use disorders.
4. The Cigna Group. (n.d.). Affordable health insurance plans.
5. HealthCare.gov. (n.d.). Health benefits & coverage.
6. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019). Treatment approaches for drug addiction.
7. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2014). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition).
8. Shapiro F. (2014). The role of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in medicine: addressing the psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life experiences.
9. Peprah, K., & Argáez C. (2017, October 20). Dialectical behavioral therapy for adults with mental illness: A review of clinical effectiveness and guidelines.