Using Maryland Cigna Health Insurance for Addiction Treatment

According to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), almost all U.S. health plans must provide coverage in some capacity for 10 essential health benefits.⁵ Mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment are included in the 10 essential health benefits.⁶ This means your Cigna Maryland plan may provide coverage for inpatient mental health and SUD services.⁶

Inpatient or residential treatment involves receiving treatment for SUD in a hospital or home-like setting.  This allows patients to live in a safe, supportive environment where they can focus on recovery.⁷ While inpatient treatment varies, patients can expect a combination of group and individual therapy, medication, and support groups.⁷

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates most U.S. plans to provide full or partial coverage for outpatient rehab in Maryland or out of state.⁵ The extent of coverage for outpatient rehab will depend on the type of care you need, the plan you have, and where you obtain care. Your Cigna insurance plan may pass along some of the costs of treatment to you, including deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. Additionally, you may need to check whether an outpatient provider is within your plan’s network to make sure your plan will cover your healthcare costs.

An outpatient rehab program is one in which a person will receive care at a treatment site, but they do not live at the facility.⁷ Outpatient programs can vary in duration and intensity, with some programs requiring daily attendance, while others may require less frequent weekly visits.⁷ One example of this is intensive outpatient programs (IOP). With an IOP, a person may be required to attend a minimum number of hours of treatment a week.⁷

Mental health and substance use disorder treatment coverage by your Cigna health insurance plan is mandated in some capacity by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This means that various behavioral health or therapy treatments provided in Maryland may be fully or partially covered by your plan. Examples of common types of therapy used in mental health treatment that may be covered include:^{8, 9, 10}

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy: CBT helps patients correct and identify problematic behaviors that lead to substance use and learn new coping mechanisms to prioritize sobriety amid life’s stressors.
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: EMDR helps individuals process and reduce the distress associated with traumatic memories through guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation.
• Dialectical behavior therapy: DBT helps individuals cope with difficult emotions by focusing on emotional regulation and mindfulness.
• Family therapy: Family therapy helps patients and their family members foster a healthier and more supportive dynamic by improving communication and resolving conflict.

American Addiction Centers (AAC) has rehab facilities across the country that provide industry-leading addiction and mental health care services. Many of these facilities work with and are within Cigna networks. Call the number on the back of your Cigna card to check whether any of the following facilities are in-network:

• Laguna Treatment Center
• Oxford Treatment Center
• Recovery First Treatment Center
• Desert Hope Treatment Center
• AdCare Treatment Centers
• AdCare Rhode Island
• Greenhouse Treatment Center

In addition to using insurance to pay for addiction treatment in Maryland, there are other ways that you can pay for your rehab. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for grants or loans or be eligible to attend a free rehab or state-funded rehab facility near you. You can also check with the facility you attend to see whether you’re eligible for sliding fee scales, a cash discount, or special financing.

Regardless of insurance status, it’s important to explore all available options if you are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. If you have questions about Cigna substance abuse coverage or need assistance finding a Cigna rehab near you, we’re here to help. Contact American Addiction Centers (AAC) at and an admissions navigator will assist you. It’s confidential and free, and there is no obligation to enter treatment.

1. The Cigna Group. (n.d.). The Cigna Group company profile.
2. The Cigna Group. (n.d.). The Cigna Group milestones.
3. Cigna Healthcare. (n.d.). Plans are available in Baltimore City, MD 21202.
4. Cigna Healthcare. (n.d.). Health insurance plans for employers.
5. HealthCare.gov. (n.d.). Essential health benefits.
6. HealthCare.gov. (n.d.). Mental health & substance abuse coverage.
7. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). What is substance abuse treatment?
8. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2014, January). Principles of drug addiction treatment: A research-based guide (third edition).
9. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD.
10. Chapman, A.L. (2006, September 3). Dialectical behavior therapy: Current indications and unique elements.