How Can I Find Out if My Insurance Will Pay for Treatment?
Seeking help for mental health or substance use treatment is a powerful step toward healing, but it often comes with a big question: Will my insurance cover it? The answer depends on a few factors, including your insurance provider, plan type, the kind of treatment you need, and the facility you choose. At Maverick Behavioral Health, we know financial uncertainty can be a barrier to care, so we’re here to walk you through how to check your coverage, what to ask, and how to get the answers you need before starting treatment.
Start by Understanding Your Insurance Plan
The first step in figuring out whether your insurance will cover treatment is to understand what kind of plan you have. This means checking the type of insurance (such as private insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare) and learning what benefits your plan includes for behavioral health or substance use treatment. Most plans especially under the Affordable Care Act are required to offer some form of mental health and addiction services, but the extent of coverage can vary widely.
You can usually find details about your plan in your insurance company’s online portal, benefits booklet, or by calling the member services number on the back of your insurance card. Look for terms like “behavioral health,” “substance use disorder treatment,” “inpatient rehab,” or “outpatient therapy.” Each of these can fall under different benefit levels, and it’s important to know whether your plan includes them and what portion of the cost you may be responsible for.
Ask the Right Questions to Your Insurance Provider
Once you understand your basic coverage, it’s time to speak directly with your insurance provider. When you call, it’s helpful to come prepared with specific questions that can give you a clear picture of what your plan does and doesn’t cover. Start by asking whether your policy includes inpatient or outpatient treatment for mental health or substance use. It’s also important to find out if your plan requires you to use specific facilities or in-network providers for your treatment to be covered. Be sure to ask about the financial side as well—what your deductible is, how much your co-pay will be, and what your out-of-pocket maximum is for behavioral health services. You should also confirm whether any prior authorizations or referrals are needed before beginning treatment and how many days or sessions are covered each year. Take notes during the conversation so you can refer back to them later when making decisions. If anything feels unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification, you have every right to fully understand your benefits before moving forward with care.
Verify Coverage with the Treatment Center Directly
Even after speaking with your insurance company, you’ll want to confirm that the specific treatment facility you’re considering—like Maverick Behavioral Health—accepts your insurance and can work with your provider. Many rehab or mental health centers have admissions teams or financial counselors who specialize in verifying insurance and helping you understand your costs.
At Maverick Behavioral Health, our admissions staff can verify your insurance benefits for you, often within a few hours. We contact your insurance provider on your behalf, review your policy in detail, and explain what services are covered, what the expected costs might be, and whether any steps—such as pre-authorization—are needed before you can be admitted. This takes a huge burden off your shoulders and allows you to focus on preparing for treatment, not paperwork.
Consider Alternative Coverage Options if Needed
If your insurance does not fully cover the care you need—or if you’re uninsured—there are still options available. Many facilities offer sliding scale fees, payment plans, or scholarship programs to help reduce financial barriers. Additionally, some state and local programs provide funding or support for those without insurance who need mental health or addiction treatment.
You can also explore whether Medicaid or Medicare might be an option, depending on your eligibility. Maverick Behavioral Health works with a variety of payment options and can help connect you to resources that fit your financial situation. Don’t let a lack of insurance or incomplete coverage stop you from seeking help—there are more solutions available than you might think.
Don’t Let Confusion Delay Your Recovery
Trying to figure out insurance coverage while dealing with the emotional weight of seeking treatment can be stressful. But the truth is, you don’t have to do it alone. With the right questions and the right support, you can get a clear understanding of what your insurance will pay for—and make confident, informed decisions about your care.
At Maverick Behavioral Health, we believe that access to treatment shouldn’t come with confusion or uncertainty. That’s why we’re committed to helping you navigate your insurance coverage every step of the way. Whether you’re just starting to explore treatment options or ready to begin your journey, our team is here to make sure finances don’t stand in the way of your healing. Recovery is possible—and we’ll help you get there with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
