VA Insurance Coverage for Rehab in Las Vegas, NV

The Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) offers eligible veterans a health insurance program that can be used to cover some or all of the cost of addiction treatment. Veterans often face unique challenges when struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. Studies show that veterans are more likely to use alcohol than their civilian counterparts.¹ Indeed, nearly 65% of veterans who enroll in a treatment program list alcohol as their most commonly abuse substance.¹ Many veterans are also at increased risk of co-occurring mental health disorders, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.¹ The complex factors that often lead to these conditions in veterans frequently require a specialized treatment approach. However, many veterans may be worried about being able to pay for rehab.

This is where understanding one’s VA insurance benefits is key. VA insurance programs can help veterans access quality addiction treatment in Nevada and around the country. Understanding what VA insurance covers, why these specialized programs are so beneficial to veterans, and how to find these treatment programs in Nevada can help you begin your journey to recovery.

Does VA Insurance Cover Addiction Treatment in Nevada?

VA insurance can help eligible veterans cover some or all of the cost of addiction treatment at VA facilities and Community Care partners.³ The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires all long-term health insurance plans to provide coverage for 10 essential health benefits, which include mental health and substance use treatment.⁴ This means that many treatment plans, including many VA plans, will be able to provide some type of coverage for the treatment of substance use disorder.⁸  

VA insurance coverage for rehab will depend on what your specific medical needs are and where you decide to get treatment. Like most insurance plans, coverage will only apply if you stay within the VA network.⁵ This generally means getting treatment at a VA-specific program or through the Community Care Network (CCN). The Community Care network is a group of private facilities that work with the VA insurance plans.² Veterans may be referred to a Community Care partner if there are no suitable VA facilities near them, or if nearby VA facilities are at capacity.² 

What Does the VA Cover?

You can get a variety of services from the VA when it comes to substance use treatment. In general, the specific treatment the VA covers will depend on what your doctor deems as medically necessary. Some common types of substance abuse treatments you may experience at a VA facility include:⁸

• Medically-managed detoxification.
• Drug substitution therapies.
• Inpatient or residential rehab.
• Short-term or intensive outpatient treatment.
• Marriage and family counseling.
• Self-help groups.
• Residential care.
• Continuing care and relapse prevention.
• Special programs for specific concerns, such as female veterans or homeless veterans.

Does VA Insurance Cover Mental Health Treatment in Nevada?

Mental health disorders are a growing concern amongst veteran populations and are commonly observed co-occurring alongside substance use disorders.⁶ For example, more than 20% of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also have a substance use disorder.⁶

Since mental health treatment is part of the list of essential health benefits, meaning that the VA may provide coverage for it.⁴ If you are struggling with PTSD or other mental health concerns in Nevada, you can access mental health services at VA hospitals or vet centers.⁷

How to Check VA Benefits for Rehab in Las Vegas

The first step in finding VA rehabs in Nevada is to check your VA benefits. There are several ways to do this. You can check the VA website, or contact the VA directly. You can also contact specific rehab centers in Las Vegas to find out if they are part of the VA treatment network.

VA Benefits Eligibility

While many veterans are eligible for VA health insurance, some may not be. In order to qualify for VA healthcare, the following must apply:⁹

• You served in the armed forces and did not have a dishonorable discharge
• If you enlisted after September 7, 1980 or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, you must have served 24 continuous months or the full period that you were called to active duty, unless the following conditions apply.
  • You were discharged for a disability that was caused or made worse by your active-duty service
  • You were discharged for a hardship or early-out
• If you’re a current or former National Guard or Reserves member, you must have been called to active duty by a federal order and completed the full period of active duty.

If you qualify for VA health benefits, you’ll need to apply in order to receive them, which you can do online or by contacting a local VA center.⁹ It’s also important to note your VA priority group, which can affect your care.⁹

How To Use VA Insurance for Rehab in Las Vegas

Once you’ve decided on attending rehab in Nevada, you’ll need to take a few steps to make full use of your VA benefits. The first thing to do is make sure you’re enrolled in your VA insurance program. From there, you’ll want to talk to your VA primary care provider about substance use and any other concerns you might have, including PTSD or other mental health issues.⁸ If you don’t currently have a VA medical provider, you can find one by visiting the VA website or by contacting the VA directly.

The way to get the best coverage from your VA benefits is to use a VA center or a member of the VA Community Care Network. The CCN is divided into regions, and the region that serves Las Vegas is the TriWest Healthcare Alliance.² In order to get care from a member of the CCN, you’ll need a referral from the VA.² Health care services you can get from CCN providers include medical, behavioral health, and other vital care.²

Does your insurance cover treatment 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).

 Specialized Veteran Rehab Programs in Las Vegas, Nevada

Many veterans may benefit from integrated, veterans-specific treatment programs. These programs are often crafted with the goal of addressing the concerns specific to veterans. By placing an emphasis on community integration and peer support, veterans-specific programs can help veterans feel comfortable discussing their substance misuse and taking the first steps to recovery.

A specialized program will also be better equipped to help treat co-occurring disorders such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety. This is very common in the veteran population and can directly impact your tendency to misuse substances.⁶

How to Find VA Rehab Centers in Las Vegas, Nevada

Once you’ve decided to seek help, a good first step in finding a rehab center in Las Vegas would be to contact your VA representative. VA insurance is usually only accepted at VA facilities. Reaching out to the local VA network to determine the closest VA center that can meet your treatment needs can be a worthwhile first step. If there are no nearby VA facilities that can accommodate you, you may be referred to a Community Care partner.

American Addiction Centers is proud to be a CCN provider affiliated with the VA. We have a variety of treatment centers across the country, including in Las Vegas, that can help you with your veteran-centered experiences and needs. Our Desert Hope treatment center in Las Vegas has a veteran-specific program called Salute to Recovery. If you’d like to get in touch with an Admissions Navigator, you can call our confidential helpline at .