Cigna Alcohol Rehab Center

Does Cigna insurance cover treatment plans for drug or alcohol addiction? Learn more in our guide below.

Substance use disorders are a serious public health issue, and access to quality treatment can make all the difference in recovery outcomes. For individuals and families with Cigna health insurance, understanding the extent of your insurance benefits for drug and alcohol rehabilitation is a critical first step toward getting help.

Fortunately, Cigna Insurance offers a variety of coverage options for substance abuse treatment, including detox, residential care, outpatient services, and mental health support. However, the level of coverage depends on your specific plan and whether you choose an in-network provider.

Call Journey Hillside today to see if your Cigna coverage includes detox and rehabilitation.

Drug and Alcohol Rehab Covered by Cigna Insurance

Cigna health insurance plans typically include coverage for addiction treatment services as part of their behavioral health services benefits. Thanks to federal regulations like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, Cigna Insurance must offer substance use disorder treatment at the same level as coverage for physical health conditions. This means individuals struggling with alcohol or drug dependence may be eligible for services such as detoxification, therapy, and long-term rehabilitation.

While coverage is generally available, it’s important to recognize that policies vary. Some plans may cover only certain levels of care, require pre-authorization, or limit the duration of treatment, so it’s best to consult with your insurance company . Always check your plan details or speak with a representative to determine the exact benefits available under your insurance coverage.

Insurance Benefits: Treatment Options to Foster Long-Term Sobriety

Cigna Insurance provides coverage for a range of evidence-based substance abuse addiction treatment options, which may include residential treatment :

• Medical Detoxification: Safe, medically supervised withdrawal management for substances like alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines.
• Inpatient Residential Rehab: 24/7 care in a structured environment, typically for individuals with severe addiction or dual diagnoses.
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): A day-treatment program that provides intensive therapy while allowing the patient to return home in the evenings.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Structured treatment that includes multiple therapy sessions per week, ideal for those transitioning out of inpatient care or requiring a flexible schedule.
• Standard Outpatient Treatment: Weekly or biweekly sessions for therapy, mental health services, medication management, or relapse prevention.
• Telehealth Services: Virtual therapy and counseling sessions, increasingly covered under Cigna’s expanded behavioral health benefits.
• Aftercare & Ongoing Support: Continued counseling, peer support, and relapse prevention programs to help maintain long-term recovery.

The appropriate level of care will be determined by clinical assessments, often in consultation with your primary care provider, and must be deemed ‘medically necessary’ to be covered under your plan.

A Word About Network Insurance Coverage

One of the most important factors affecting the cost of rehab is whether the facility is in-network or out-of-network with Cigna.

• In-network treatment centers have pre-negotiated rates with Cigna, meaning you’ll typically pay less out-of-pocket. These providers are also more likely to handle pre-authorizations and direct billing, streamlining the process for you.
• Out-of-network providers, while still an option in some plans, may result in higher deductibles, co-insurance rates, or uncovered charges. You may also be required to pay upfront and seek partial reimbursement from Cigna.

To avoid surprises, confirm the insurance provider’s network status in advance and request a cost estimate before beginning treatment.

Substance Use Disorder: Drug Abuse and Alcohol Dependence

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a medical condition characterized by the compulsive use of drugs or alcohol despite harmful consequences, often linked to underlying mental health problems. It affects the brain’s reward system, decision-making ability, and impulse control, leading to behaviors that prioritize substance use over health, responsibilities, and relationships.

Key Characteristics of Substance Use Disorder

• Loss of Control: Inability to cut down or stop using the substance even when trying to.
• Cravings: Strong urges or desires to use the substance.
• Tolerance: Needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect.
• Withdrawal: Experiencing physical or psychological symptoms when not using.
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Failing to meet obligations at work, school, or home due to substance use.
• Continued Use Despite Harm: Persisting in use even when it causes or worsens physical, mental, or social problems.
• Treatment ApproachesEffective treatment often includes:
  • Medical detoxification
  • Behavioral therapy (CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing)
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for substances like opioids or alcohol
  • Group and individual counseling
  • Aftercare and relapse prevention planning

Partial Hospitalization Programs

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) offer an essential level of care for individuals struggling with substance use disorder who need structured treatment but do not require round-the-clock supervision. PHPs serve as a transitional option between inpatient rehab and outpatient care, providing intensive therapy during the day while allowing individuals to return home or to a sober living environment at night.

For many, PHP represents a turning point in recovery—where autonomy begins to return, but consistent clinical support remains in place. These programs are especially valuable for those who have completed detox or inpatient treatment but still need more structure than what traditional outpatient therapy can offer.

Cigna coverage may include PHPs when medically necessary, especially for individuals who meet certain criteria such as risk of relapse, co-occurring mental health disorders, or continued withdrawal symptoms, but understanding potential out of pocket expenses is also crucial . A typical PHP includes:

• Daily Therapy Sessions: Participants attend treatment five to seven days per week, for around 4 to 6 hours per day.
• Evidence-Based Modalities: Programs include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, trauma-informed therapy, and relapse prevention planning.
• Medical Oversight: Although not 24/7, there is often access to medical staff, including physicians and psychiatrists, for medication management and symptom monitoring.
• Group Therapy and Peer Support: Many PHPs emphasize shared experiences and peer support as part of the therapeutic process.
• Dual Diagnosis Treatment: For individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders (like depression, anxiety, PTSD), PHPs typically integrate psychiatric support and medication management.
• Urine Drug Screening: Regular testing helps ensure accountability and tracks progress.
• Family Involvement: Many programs incorporate family therapy or education sessions to help build a supportive home environment.

Outpatient Treatment with Health Insurance

Outpatient addiction treatment offers flexibility for individuals who need ongoing support but do not require 24-hour supervision. Cigna covers a range of outpatient services for substance use disorder (SUD), including outpatient rehab depending on the severity of the condition, the treatment plan recommended by a behavioral health provider, and the terms of the member’s specific policy.

Outpatient treatment is often recommended for individuals who:

• Have completed inpatient or partial hospitalization programs
• Require continued care to prevent relapse
• Have stable home environments and supportive social networks
• Are dealing with mild to moderate SUD

Levels of Outpatient Treatment

IOPs are structured programs that offer a higher level of care than traditional outpatient therapy, often complemented by support groups, but with more flexibility than inpatient or PHP care.

What’s included in Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP):

• Typically 3–5 sessions per week, 2–4 hours each
• Group therapy, individual counseling, and educational workshops
• Family involvement and relapse prevention planning
• Medication management (if necessary)
• Support for co-occurring mental health conditions

Standard Outpatient Counseling

Standard outpatient therapy is a less intensive option and is often used as:

• Step-down care from IOP or PHP
• Long-term recovery maintenance
• Early intervention for mild substance use issues

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in an Outpatient Setting

Outpatient MAT programs combine behavioral therapy with FDA-approved medications like:

• Buprenorphine (Suboxone®)
• Methadone
• Naltrexone (Vivitrol®)

These treatments are often delivered through outpatient clinics or physician-supervised programs and are used primarily for opioid or alcohol use disorders. Cigna typically covers MAT if prescribed by an in-network provider and supported by a treatment plan.

Commit to Treatment. Keep Your Job!

Call Journey Hillside Tarzana, the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility

Journey Hillside Tarzana was founded in 2018 by a caring group of healthcare professionals who wanted to create something special for our patients. Building on industry best practices, we combine medication-assisted treatment with respected therapy models, offering a real chance for recovery. We recognize the significant impact of the 12-step model in chemical dependency treatment, but our approach goes further. We integrate advanced therapies, trauma services, and personalized treatment plans to cater to each patient’s specific needs.

Reach out to our Admissions Team today for answers about cocaine addiction treatment at (877) 761-2723.