UnitedHealthcare for Addiction Treatment in Massachusetts

Officially known as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the state has a population of close to 7 million as of July 2022.¹ Massachusetts is rich in history as the site of the Mayflower landing in 1620 and the first American Thanksgiving in 1621.² The state was one of the original 13 colonies and is one of the 6 New England states.²

In 2019, among people enrolled in substance use treatment in Massachusetts, the majority of people (56.7%) were enrolled in drug abuse treatment, while 28.7% were receiving treatment for both drug and alcohol use. The remaining 1.4% were enrolled in an alcohol abuse treatment program.³

UnitedHealthcare offers several different types of insurance plans, and your coverage may vary depending on the type of plan you are enrolled in.

• Employer plans are provided by the member’s employer.
• Medicaid and Medicare plans offer coverage to individuals who are age 65 and older and to those with low income.
• Supplemental insurance refers to plans that cover additional services that may not be covered by your primary insurance plan.
• UHC Choice plans offer in-network coverage from the UnitedHealthcare Choice network. Out-of-network coverage is not available except for emergency service.
• UHC Choice Plus also provides some coverage for out-of-network providers, but members will save money when receiving care from network providers.
• UHC PPO plans allow members to save money by receiving care from any healthcare provider in the national network.

UHC plans typically cover at least some of the costs associated with drug or alcohol treatment in Massachusetts. To get the most out of your insurance coverage, it is recommended that you verify your insurance benefits before enrolling in a rehab program, and choose one that is in your UnitedHealthcare network.

The level of coverage for inpatient drug and alcohol rehab in Massachusetts available with your UnitedHealthcare plan depends partially on the type of treatment program you choose to enroll in. Whether you are seeking treatment for drug use, alcohol use, or both, your coverage remains the same.

Your UnitedHealthcare insurance plan may cover mental health services in Massachusetts related to inpatient care, but because inpatient rehab programs also include meals and lodging, your out-of-pocket costs may be higher.

Your UHC plan will also cover at least some portion of outpatient addiction treatment programs and medical detox programs.

A comprehensive rehab program will include many different forms of treatment. Research shows that including different approaches, such as group counseling, can lead to better outcomes.

The following are some components of care that you may wish to consider in your treatment.^4,5

• Couples’ addiction treatment programs may be available to couples who both wish to enter a UnitedHealthcare substance abuse program in Massachusetts
• Drug and alcohol rehab for Veterans is specially tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by Veterans, who have an increased risk of substance use disorders.
• Aftercare programs are an important component of treatment and can help reduce the risk of relapse after patients leave an inpatient or outpatient program.

Coverage for mental health benefits in Massachusetts depends on your individual UnitedHealthcare policy. In any rehab program, you can expect to engage in one or more types of therapy, such as:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Contingency management (CM)
• Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Motivational interviewing (MI)
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Matrix model
• Family therapy

American Addiction Centers operates facilities nationwide to provide you and your family with the best rehab care available. The following are some AAC facilities that may accept UnitedHealthcare:

• AdCare Rhode Island. This outpatient rehab facility offers family treatment programs, medical detox, and aftercare support.
• Desert Hope Treatment Center. Located in Las Vegas, Nev., this is a premier rehab facility offering customized treatment programs that may include individual therapy, family therapy, and programs tailored to Veterans and first responders
• Greenhouse Treatment Center. Located in Dallas, Texas, Greenhouse offers multidisciplinary treatment programs and specializes in co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder.
• Laguna Treatment Center. This facility, which is located in Orange County, Calif., provides high-quality addiction treatment along with numerous amenities such as a fitness center, mindfulness spaces, and outdoor recreational areas.
• Oxford Treatment Center. Located in Etta, Miss., Oxford offers both inpatient and outpatient treatment in a relaxing and safe environment with unique amenities, including an equestrian center.
• River Oaks Treatment Center. Located in Tampa, Fla., River Oaks offers personalized treatment plans for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.

View our directory to find more treatment facilities in your insurance network. There are rehabs near me that can provide the treatment you need. Check out the directory to find a list of facilities and programs.

Other insurance companies will also cover at least part of the cost of addiction treatment. If you have insurance with any of these companies, check your policy to see what is covered.

• Aetna
• Humana
• Kaiser Permanente
• Blue Cross Blue Shield

If you don’t have insurance or need assistance paying for rehab, there are other options available to you. Don’t let the cost of treatment deter you from getting the care you need.

When you contact the facility, let them know that you are paying for rehab without insurance. They may be able to offer you a discount, a payment plan, or other forms of assistance.

Keep in mind that even when you are using your insurance to pay for treatment, there may be some costs that are not covered. Be prepared to cover the cost of any co-pays, deductibles, or services that are not covered.

You can also look for state-funded programs or free rehab centers, which provide treatment to individuals who may not otherwise be able to afford care. Be aware that these facilities may have limited space and waiting lists.

1. United States Census Bureau. (2022, July 1). Quick Facts: Massachusetts.
2. History.com. (2022, December 13). Massachusetts.
3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Behavioral health barometer.
4. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2014). Principles of drug addiction treatment: A research-based guide.
5. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019). Substance use and military life.