How Does the Affordable Care Act Affect Rehab—and What Happens if it’s Overturned?

The Affordable Care Act—better known as “Obamacare”—has been controversial since it became law. But regardless of whatever your political beliefs may be, most addicts are affected by the provisions of this law. The Affordable Care Act prohibits insurance providers from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. Addiction is often considered a pre-existing condition.

Affordable rehab centers will exist regardless of this particular law. Here’s what you need to know about rehab funding, the Affordable Care Act and what happens if this law is overturned.

What is Covered Under the Affordable Care Act?

Insurance plans must cover addiction treatment under the ACA.

Prior to the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), some insurance providers could deny payment for any condition, for any reason. Rehab for drug or alcohol addiction was one of the conditions for which treatment could be denied, especially if you previously attended rehab. Many addicts have to attend rehab more than once before finally achieving lifelong sobriety, just as many people with diabetes may struggle to get stabilized.

The ACA requires insurance plans to cover complete treatment for addiction, just as they would for any other medical condition. This includes addiction evaluation, alcohol and drug testing, clinic visits, family counseling, addiction treatment medications, anti-craving medications and brief interventions.

Does the ACA Mean Addiction Treatment is Always Affordable?

One of the biggest criticisms of the Affordable Care Act is that even though it requires insurance providers to cover all illnesses, it does not have to do so at a price point that all patients can afford. Having insurance that technically covers treatment for addiction is not very helpful if the amount you have to pay out of pocket is more than you can spend.

Fortunately, most affordable rehab centers will work with individual patients to make sure that treatment is available to those who need it. The ACA also expands funding for those covered by Medicaid and Medicare. Because these individuals have incomes below a certain threshold, it’s essential that care is truly affordable.

Will the ACA be Repealed Under President Trump?

Whether you love it or hate it, the Affordable Care Act was one of President Obama’s most significant actions in office. The Republican party has long criticized the ACA, in particular the individual mandate requiring every person to have insurance or face fines. President Trump and the Republican members of the House and Senate generally favor modifying or eliminating the ACA.

President Trump has stated that he intends to remove the mandate, but keep the provisions that protect those with pre-existing conditions. He also intends to keep the provision allowing young adults to remain on their parents’ health insurance until age 26. However, many analysts have suggested that it may be impossible to ensure coverage of those with pre-existing conditions while also eliminating the mandate.

It may be likely that those with pre-existing conditions will still have access to coverage, but the nature of that coverage could change. Those with pre-existing conditions may be put into special risk pools which would grant them access to coverage, but it could be more expensive. Patients may not necessarily be able to keep their same insurance providers or rates.

Regardless of the political outcomes of the Affordable Care Act, most treatment centers remain committed to helping people live a life free from drug and alcohol addiction. Affordable rehab centers will likely continue to ensure that treatment is within reach of those who need it. No one who struggles with addiction should worry about cost when it comes to getting treatment.

If someone you love needs help getting clean and staying sober, don’t let worry about money stop you from seeking treatment. Call our helpline today at 800-256-3490.

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