Veterans Choice Program (VCP) for Drug or Alcohol Rehab Near Me

Veterans Choice Program (VA Choice) Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers

Veterans are some of the bravest people our country has to offer. The missions they undertake help keep the United States and our allies safe and free. Unfortunately, however, the stresses of being in the military are significant and can cause long-term struggles.

One of the common struggles veterans face is substance use. Among veterans who go to the VA for the first time to get care, around 11% meet the criteria for substance use disorder.^{1, Prevalence rates} Substance use disorders happen when the use of alcohol or drugs causes significant impairment, from health problems to failure to meet responsibilities at work, home, or school.^{2, third bullet}

If you’re a veteran who has been struggling with substance use, you might wonder what resources can help you get the treatment you need to break free. One program that can make a big difference is the Veterans Choice Program.

What is Veterans Choice Program Insurance?

The Veterans Choice Program was established in 2014 and allows veterans to get healthcare outside the VA system while still being covered by their VA benefits.^{3, first paragraph} Veterans had to be enrolled in VA benefits and meet specific criteria to access this care, such as having to wait more than 30 days for an appointment or having a home more than 40 miles driving distance from the nearest VA.^{3, Eligibility}

In 2019, the VA launched the Veterans Community Care Program, which replaced the Veterans Choice Program.^{4, first paragraph} The intention of the Veterans Community Care program is the same, however—to allow veterans to access non-VA care covered by VA benefits when necessary.^{4, third paragraph}

The eligibility criteria are different under the Veterans Community Care Program. The VA shortened the wait time eligibility to 20 days and looks at whether care is available at a VA facility, how long the drive is, whether there’s a full-service VA facility in the state, and more.^{4, first numbered list}

Does Veterans Choice Program Cover Drug and Alcohol Rehab Treatment?

The VA Choice Program allows you to use your VA benefits to help pay for care, even if it’s not at a VA facility. That means it expands your choice of providers, but you do need to qualify and get VA approval before you commit to a treatment program.

Does VA insurance cover substance use treatment? It does, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) made that more clear. Under the ACA, all long-term health insurance plans have to cover at least some of the cost of 10 essential health benefits.^{5, first paragraph} One of those essential benefits is mental health and substance use treatment.^{5, fifth bullet}

The first step to getting coverage is to talk to your doctor about your substance use concerns. They will ask questions about what substances you use, how much and how often you use them, and what your daily environment is like. From there, the doctor will create a treatment plan recommendation.

You can then take that treatment recommendation and find out if you qualify to get treatment at a Community Care provider instead of a VA facility.

What are Veterans Choice Program Coverage Levels and Plans?

It’s easy to think of Veterans Choice as insurance coverage, but the program actually uses your normal VA benefits and allows you to get coverage at additional providers outside the VA system.^{4, third paragraph}

If you’re eligible for Community Care, you can look for community providers that are part of the VA’s network.^{6, Finding a community provider} If a provider isn’t in the network, the VA may be able to add them, or a VA staff member might help you find a different provider that meets your needs.^{5, Finding a community provider}

Check Your Veterans Choice Program Rehab Coverage

There are a variety of high-quality substance use treatment programs across the country, but not all of them are in the VA network.^{6, Finding a Community Provider} To find out whether your VA benefits apply, you’ll need to first ensure that you qualify for Community Care. If you do, you’ll need to ensure that the treatment center is part of the VA network.^{6, Finding a Community Provider}

You can check if a treatment program is part of the VA Community Care network in several ways. You can contact the VA directly and get the details of your Community Care eligibility and what providers you can get help from.

You can contact a treatment center directly, or you can reach out to American Addiction Centers (AAC) by phone, online chat, or using the form below. In just a few minutes, our admissions navigators can review your situation and help you understand if you’re likely to be able to use Community Care for treatment and what treatment centers are available. We can also answer any questions you have about rehab.

Types of Addiction Treatment That Veterans Choice Program May Cover

The right treatment plan will vary from individual to individual, which is why it’s so important to work closely with your doctor to create the right approach.

Common treatment options include:^7,8

• Detox Treatment. Detox is not rehab, but it’s often a necessary first step. You need to get the alcohol and/or drugs out of your system so that you can start fresh and learn ways to live life without substance use. The medically-supervised detoxification process helps manage withdrawal symptoms safely so you can move forward.
• Inpatient or Residential Treatment. Inpatient treatment for substance use is a necessary step for many people in order to overcome their addiction. You live full-time at the facility and complete treatment and therapy designed to help you move past substance use and learn how to live without using drugs or alcohol.
• Partial Hospitalization (PHP). Partial hospitalization treatment for substance use is an intensive level of outpatient treatment. Patients go home at night and receive treatment during the day. This type of treatment allows for medication management if needed and provides patients with the tools they need to create healthy habits and relationships to stay substance-free.
• Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP). Intensive outpatient treatment is a program where you would receive treatment three to four days a week, for three to four hours per day. Treatment typically includes individual therapy, group therapy, and educational classes to teach participants how to live a sober life and avoid triggers that may lead to relapse.
• Outpatient Treatment. Outpatient treatment allows you to get help for your addiction with less disruption to your daily life. It allows you to continue living at home and going to work or school while receiving treatment. You’ll meet with a counselor regularly and attend group therapy sessions to learn new habits, so you can create a happier, healthier life.
• Therapy. Therapy is an important part of substance use treatment because it can help people understand and cope with the issues that led to their substance use. It can also provide them with the tools they need to stay sober after completing treatment. Therapy can be very effective in helping people recover from addiction, and it is an essential part of any comprehensive substance use program.

Once you have selected a treatment program, it’s essential to follow through and finish it completely. That will give you the best chance at long-term recovery — and you deserve it.

Does Veterans Choice Program Cover Mental Health Treatment Facilities?

It’s common for those with substance use issues to struggle with mental health. Around 50% of those who have issues with substance use also have a mental health diagnosis like PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, depression, or other illnesses.^{9, second paragraph} This is known as a co-occurring disorder.

It’s important to treat both your mental health and substance use together—research has shown that integrated treatment has far better results than only addressing one or the other.^{10, first paragraph}

Fortunately, mental health treatment is one of the 10 essential health benefits that health insurance plans are required to cover.^{5, fifth bullet} That means you can have confidence that your VA benefits will help you with both mental health and substance use treatment.

Does Veterans Choice Program Cover Private and Luxury Rehabs?

The VA Choice Program helps veterans get care from non-VA facilities, which may include private and luxury rehabs.

Private rehabs are privately funded and offer excellent care. This care often costs more than government-funded public rehabs. Still, many people prefer the higher level of personalized care and the ability to adjust the program to meet their needs.

Luxury rehabs are another step above private rehabs. These facilities have high-level amenities and offer a luxury experience. You may find that some of the services at a luxury rehab are not covered by your insurance, so you might have to pay more out of your own pocket.

Which States Do Veterans Choice Program Operate In?

Community care programs are available to veterans in all 50 states and the U.S. territories. The primary requirement is that you qualify to use your veteran’s benefits at a non-VA facility.

How Much of the Rehab Cost Does Veterans Choice Program Cover?

The amount of coverage you’ll receive depends on the specific set of veteran benefits you have. You’ll want to talk to the VA to determine if the VA will cover the full amount of treatment or if you need to pay a deductible, copayment or coinsurance, or other portion of the treatment cost.

You can also verify your insurance through AAC. Simply contact us online or over the phone. In just a few minutes, we can review your coverage and let you know what to expect in terms of costs.

Don’t let these questions hold you back from getting treatment. You deserve a life free of substance use.

Who is Eligible for VCP (veterans choice)?

Wondering if you’ll be eligible for the Community Care Program? There are 6 criteria that the VA staff consider when making these decisions, and you only need to meet one of them to qualify.^{6, Eligibility}

You may qualify for Community Care if you’re a veteran with VA benefits who:^{6, Eligibility}

• Needs a service not available at a VA facility.
• Lives in a U.S. state or territory that doesn’t have a full-service VA facility.
• Qualifies under the grandfathered provision related to distance eligibility.
• The VA cannot provide care for within designated access standards.
• It is in your best interest to get community care.
• Needs care from a VA service line that does not meet certain quality standards.

Once you qualify for Community Care, you can work with the VA staff to get approved for care at the facility of your choice within the VA network.^{6, Finding a Community Provider}

How To Get Veterans Choice Program Cover To Pay for My Rehab Treatment

If you want to get your rehab treatment covered by your VA benefits outside the VA system, you’ll need to apply for the Community Care program. You must receive approval from the VA before enrolling in a Community Care treatment program.^{6, second paragraph}

Even if you’re eligible for Community Care, you can choose to be treated at a VA facility.^{6, first paragraph} The program exists to give you additional choices.

What Should I Do If The Rehab Cost Is Not Fully Covered?

It’s possible that your VA benefits will not cover the full cost of your treatment program. You might have out-of-pocket costs, or you might want to attend a program that’s not part of the VA network.

Don’t let this stop you from getting the treatment you need. There are other ways to pay for rehab. For example, some programs offer scholarships, or you might be able to set up a payment plan.

Other veterans choose to borrow money from family and friends or get a personal loan. The key is to get the treatment you need as soon as possible before you face long-term health or legal consequences. You can also talk to AAC about what payment options might be available to you beyond your VA benefits.

You deserve a happier, healthier life free of substance use. It’s available, and your VA benefits can help you afford it. Contact us to take the first steps today.