TRICARE is a health insurance program for active-duty military members, the National Guard, Reserve, and their family members.¹ TRICARE network includes a variety of military hospitals and clinics, as well as civilian health care professionals and programs.¹ TRICARE insurance may also be able to cover treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. If you’re a TRICARE member, understanding what benefits you have, how to access them, and how to find a rehab in Nevada that accepts TRICARE insurance can help you start your journey to recovery.

Does TRICARE Cover Rehab in Las Vegas, NV?

TRICARE insurance plans may be able to help you cover some or all of the cost of rehab in Nevada. As an insurance provider, TRICARE is required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to provide some type of coverage for the treatment of mental and behavioral health disorders.³This may include treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders, provided treatment for these conditions are deemed medically necessary.⁴It’s important to reach out to your TRICARE representative to check your coverage before committing to rehab treatment.

TRICARE focuses on providing medically necessary, evidence-based therapies for military members and their families.⁴ For substance use disorder, available treatments include medical detox, inpatient care, traditional or intensive outpatient programs, medication-assisted treatment, partial hospitalization programs, and more.⁴ Many of the treatment options require preauthorization, such as residential substance use disorder treatment.⁵You’ll want to talk to your TRICARE-approved doctor to get the assessment and complete the paperwork for preauthorization.

Types of TRICARE Substance Abuse Treatment

TRICARE may cover a variety of treatment tracks and options depending on one’s medical needs. Some of the types of treatment available for substance use disorder through TRICARE include:⁴

Detoxification: medical detoxification, or detox, is the process in which the body naturally removes substances. Detox can often be accompanied by withdrawal symptoms that can range from mild to severe and potentially life-threatening. Many may find undergoing detox in a facility with 24/7 supervision to be a safe option.
Inpatient and residential treatment: inpatient treatment programs allow patients to live at a hospital or rehab facility while undergoing treatment. Inpatient programs tend to last for a few weeks to a few months, and residential programs can last a few months to a year.
Outpatient programs: commonly used as a follow-up to a more intensive inpatient track, outpatient programs allow you to receive treatment while remaining at home and participating in daily life events, like work or school.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Often integrated into other treatment programs, MAT may be used to help ease withdrawal symptoms during detox, or to help achieve recovery, depending on the substance abuse.
Mental health services to help you manage co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more.

It’s important to note that TRICARE does not cover aversion therapy or any unproven or non-evidence-based treatments.⁴

How to Check My TRICARE Insurance Coverage for Rehab

There are several ways to determine your TRICARE insurance coverage. You can log into the TRICARE membership website directly or contact TRICARE over the phone using the number on the back of your TRICARE card. Another way to review your coverage is to contact the veteran rehab centers you’re interested in to find out if they take the TRICARE insurance plan you have.

Are There Specialized Rehab Programs for Veterans in Las Vegas?

The stresses of military life and deployment are unique, and many times they can contribute to substance use and other risky behaviors.⁶ In a traditional treatment program, you’ll be sharing with civilians who may not understand the emotions and struggles that you go through as a military member. In a program tailored to military members, you’ll have the ability to share with those who have had similar experiences to you and you’ll help each other develop new habits, move past painful memories, and choose a healthy, productive life.

Many veterans-specific treatment programs may also provide coverage for common co-occurring mental health disorders that veterans experience. For example, many veterans-specific treatment programs provide treatment for PTSD. A common mental health disorder among veterans; between 10 and 20% of those deployed in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have PTSD in a given year.⁷Behavioral therapies and treatment interventions that are aimed at treating substance abuse and PTSD in veterans simultaneously may lead to better health outcomes.⁶

How to Use My TRICARE Coverage for Rehab in Las Vegas, Nevada

To use your TRICARE coverage for rehab in Las Vegas or the state of Nevada, an important first step is to speak to your doctor. Providers authorized by TRICARE will work with you to determine your treatment goals and medical needs.⁸

Once you talk to your provider, they can recommend an appropriate treatment plan. They can also let you know if you’ll need preauthorization before you can start a treatment program, and can help you get the approval you need. Once you receive approval, you or your doctor can contact the treatment program you’re interested in and begin the admissions process.

You may have some out-of-pocket costs to consider as well. Most health plans cover the majority of the cost while requiring you to cover a portion, such as a deductible, copayment, or coinsurance.⁹

How Much Does Rehab Cost with TRICARE?

The exact cost of attending veteran rehab centers depends on the treatment plan you need and the specific insurance plan you have. Additional factors like the intensity of treatment, the length of treatment, and where you attend treatment can further influence the costs. To minimize your costs, it’s important to choose a rehab program that’s in-network with your TRICARE plan. Many times insurance will not provide coverage outside of their preferred provider network.¹⁰

Does TRICARE Offer Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare is a federal insurance program for those 65 and older, as well as those with specific health conditions.¹¹ If you become Medicare-eligible while on TRICARE, you’ll be automatically enrolled in TRICARE for Life, and will not be eligible for other TRICARE plans.¹²

Medicaid is a state-based assistance program that helps provide medical benefits, and coverage varies from state to state.¹¹ If you are eligible for both TRICARE and Medicaid, TRICARE is the primary payer, and charges not covered may be submitted to Medicaid.¹³

Does TRICARE Cover Out-of-Network Providers in Las Vegas?

Generally speaking, TRICARE only provides coverage for in-network facilities. Some TRICARE plans may provide coverage for a non-network TRICARE-authorized provider, but you may have higher costs and may have to file your own claims.¹⁴Overall, it’s a good idea to speak with your TRICARE representative to determine if your plan provides coverage for rehab at out-of-network facilities.

TRICARE is accepted at Desert Hope in Las Vegas

Check your insurance coverage or text us your questions to learn more about treatment by American Addiction Centers (AAC).

Finding Rehab Centers That Take TRICARE in Las Vegas Nevada

Finding a rehab in Nevada that accepts TRICARE insurance is an important first step in achieving recovery. One of the best ways to find a facility is to reach out to a TRICARE representative. The staff at TRIACRE may be able to help you find a rehab facility in Nevada that works with TRICARE insurance. Another option would be to take advantage of the SAMHSA treatment locator. You can also contact an addiction helpline that can put you in touch with high-quality rehab centers in Las Vegas, Nevada.

American Addiction Centers operates one of the veteran-specific programs in Nevada at their Desert Hope treatment center. Salute to Service helps you address your specific needs and experiences from the military while teaching you ways to forge a substance-free life. If you’d like help with substance use, you can call the AAC helpline at . Don’t wait—a better life is within your reach. Contact us today.

TRICARE Insurance Coverage for Rehab in Las Vegas, NV