Getting treatment for drug or alcohol addiction can be challenging, especially when finances are tight. If you are an Arizona resident with AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System) insurance, the good news is that your coverage includes substance abuse treatment.
AHCCCS plans cover both inpatient and outpatient rehab programs to help you overcome addiction. However, finding a quality rehab facility that accepts your specific AHCCCS plan can take some digging. Here we provide tips to locate an AHCCCS-covered addiction treatment program that fits your needs.
Getting Started: Determine What Kind of Treatment You Need
The first step is deciding what level and type of care works for your situation. AHCCCS can cover:
- Detoxification programs
- Intensive inpatient rehab facilities
- Partial hospitalization programs
- Outpatient counseling and therapy
Talk to your primary care doctor or a mental health professional about what they recommend based on your health history and substance use patterns. Generally, those with long-term, heavy drug use and prior relapse require more intensive programs like residential rehab. Consider factors like:
- Severity of your addiction
- Whether you have prior relapse
- If you have co-occurring mental health issues
- Your social support system outside of treatment
- Your living or home environment
The more complex your needs, the more structure and comprehensive services you may require in a rehab program.
Making Calls and Researching Facility Options
Once you determine the treatment intensity required, start researching rehab centers in your area that accept AHCCCS plans. Call around and specifically ask if they take your exact type of Medicaid coverage. Some clinics accept certain AHCCCS plans like Mercy Care and Care1st but not others.
If you have a managed care organization (MCO) plan through an AHCCCS Complete Care health plan, contact your MCO to find in-network addiction treatment providers. Rehab facilities may have availability for new AHCCCS patients if they contract with your health plan.
When calling around, gather key information like:
- Do they accept your specific AHCCCS plan?
- What treatment levels do they offer (detox, inpatient, PHP, IOP, etc)?
- Are there waitlists for AHCCCS clients? How long?
- Which medications and evidence-based therapies do they provide?
- What types of group counseling and activities are included?
- Do they offer family programs?
Utilizing Online Tools to Aid Your Search
In addition to making calls, you can use online search tools to find AHCCCS drug rehab centers. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator through which you can search for Medicaid-covered programs by:
- Location
- Required language
- Treatment approaches offered
- Ancillary services like childcare, vocational training, etc.
You can also check individual facility sites to determine if they list AHCCCS as an accepted insurance plan. Expand your search over time if needed until you compile a thorough list of potential AHCCCS-covered programs in your desired geographic area.
Comparing Quality and Services of Potential Facilities
Once you compile a list of potential AHCCCS-covered programs, do some background research to compare quality, read client reviews, and find out what services and therapies they offer. You can look into:
- Facility credentials, years in operation, leadership backgrounds
- Inspection reports from oversight agencies
- Online patient ratings and testimonials
- Success rates if published
- Range of evidence-based addiction treatments
This allows you to get a big-picture view and determine if they provide reputable, effective addiction treatment covered under AHCCCS.
Choosing the Best Location and Programming Fit
As you narrow down the facilities that fit your treatment needs and insurance coverage, also factor in convenience, visiting policies, accommodation options, and programming details. Ideally, choose an in-network center somewhat close to home so family can be involved and you can more easily transition back to your community after discharge.
Call your top choices to learn about:
- Medications used
- Counseling approaches
- Alternative therapies like art, equine, music, etc.
- Relapse prevention training
- Family services
- Visitor policies
- Accommodation amenities
Getting clarity on the full programming allows you to choose an AHCCCS rehab center aligned with your preferences. Starting addiction treatment with an approved facility means you get affordable, sometimes free, quality care. The effort to find the right match can pay off greatly in your recovery success.
