Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Treatment Covered by COBRA: Your Path to Recovery

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When you lose or leave a job, maintaining access to substance use services can feel overwhelming. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, long-term health plans must cover 10 essential benefits, including mental health and substance use treatment [1]. By electing COBRA continuation coverage, you can keep the same in-network benefits you had as an active employee, ensuring uninterrupted care for outpatient drug and alcohol treatment covered by COBRA at The Hope House.

At The Hope House, our supportive environment and tailored treatment programs allow you to balance work or family responsibilities while progressing in your recovery journey. Whether you need a structured day program, flexible evening sessions, medication-assisted therapy, or evidence-based counseling, our individualized plans and comprehensive care are here to meet your unique challenges.

Understand COBRA coverage

What is COBRA continuation?

COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) lets you extend your employer’s group health plan for a limited time after qualifying events such as job loss, reduction in hours, or divorce. The coverage you receive must be identical to what active employees enjoy, including substance use disorder services [2].

Who qualifies for COBRA?

  • Employers with 20 or more employees must offer COBRA coverage.
  • Qualifying events include termination (voluntary or involuntary), reduction of hours, or certain family status changes.
  • Dependents may also continue coverage under the same rules.

How long does coverage last?

  • Standard COBRA coverage extends up to 18 months.
  • Extensions up to 36 months may apply in specific circumstances, such as a second qualifying event or disability.
  • It’s essential to notify your plan administrator within 60 days of a qualifying event to avoid gaps.

What are the costs?

  • You pay 100% of the premium plus up to a 2% administrative fee.
  • If cost becomes prohibitive, you may qualify for a Marketplace subsidy or premium assistance under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which covered up to 65% of COBRA premiums for eligible workers [3].

Explore outpatient treatment benefits

Choosing outpatient care under COBRA empowers you to continue daily responsibilities while accessing professional support.

Balancing work and family

Outpatient levels of care let you attend sessions around your existing schedule, so you never have to choose between recovery and your commitments.

Access to in-network providers

Staying in-network reduces out-of-pocket costs. You’ll receive the same benefits you had on the job, from therapy to medication-assisted treatment, easing financial stress.

Coverage for co-occurring conditions

Nearly 50% of people with substance use concerns also have a mental health diagnosis, known as co-occurring disorders. Integrated care addressing both issues leads to better outcomes [1].

Review PHP and IOP options

At The Hope House, you’ll find a continuum of outpatient services designed to match your recovery needs and schedule.

Level of careWeekly hoursSettingIdeal for
PHP20–30Day program centerThose needing structured, daytime support
IOP9–20Evening or morning clinicThose balancing work, school, or family
Standard outpatient<9Flexible outpatient sessionsThose in sustained recovery or early step-down care

Partial hospitalization program

Program details

Our partial hospitalization program (PHP) offers a combination of group therapy, individual counseling, and skill-building workshops in a structured, daytime setting.

Insurance coverage

Intensive outpatient program

Program details

In our intensive outpatient program (IOP), you’ll attend several weekly sessions that focus on relapse prevention, coping strategies, and peer support.

Insurance coverage

Consider medication-assisted options

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with counseling to reduce cravings and support long-term recovery.

Suboxone and MAT

Program structure

  • Initial medical evaluation and lab work
  • Regular follow-up visits for dosage adjustments
  • Combined individual and group counseling

Insurance coverage

Review therapy and counseling

Therapy remains a cornerstone of effective outpatient care, addressing underlying issues and teaching coping skills.

Individual therapy

One-on-one sessions tailored to your personal history, triggers, and recovery goals.

Group therapy

Supportive peer groups foster accountability and shared insights.

Family therapy

Involving loved ones can strengthen support networks and improve communication.

Dual diagnosis support

When mental health and substance use intertwine, integrated care is vital.

Maximize your COBRA benefits

Taking proactive steps ensures you get the most from your extension coverage.

Verify your coverage

  • Review your Summary Plan Description to confirm covered services.
  • Confirm copays, deductibles, and network restrictions before you enroll.

Choose in-network providers

Staying in-network minimizes your out-of-pocket costs. If you opt for an out-of-network provider, your plan may not cover treatment [1].

Explore financial assistance

  • Sliding-scale fees or payment plans may supplement COBRA benefits.
  • Scholarships or state-funded programs can help cover any gaps.

Take next steps toward recovery

  1. Contact The Hope House admissions team to verify your COBRA eligibility and benefits.
  2. Schedule a confidential assessment to determine the right level of care for you.
  3. Begin your personalized treatment plan and reclaim your life with the support necessary for lasting recovery.

Your path to recovery is within reach. With COBRA continuation coverage and the experienced team at The Hope House, you can access structured outpatient care, medication-assisted support, and evidence-based therapies that fit your life. Reach out today to take the next step.

References

  1. (American Addiction Centers)
  2. (Rehabs.com)
  3. (CMS.gov)
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