With addiction, the path to recovery often seems daunting. However, hope and healing are accessible through comprehensive insurance coverage designed to support your journey. For those covered by Meritain Health, understanding your addiction treatment benefits can unlock life-changing care without an overwhelming financial burden. Meritain Health has emerged as a trusted administrator among insurance providers with addiction coverage, recognizing that substance use disorders require thoughtful, comprehensive care. Following federal mandates established by the Affordable Care Act, Meritain has developed robust coverage options that prioritize accessibility and long-term recovery success for millions of Americans seeking freedom from addiction.
Understanding Meritain Insurance and Your Benefits
Meritain Health is a leading third-party administrator that has been serving employers and their employees for over 40 years. As part of the Aetna family and CVS Health Corporation, Meritain provides comprehensive health benefit solutions to millions of Americans through employer-sponsored health plans. This established healthcare administrator understands that addiction is a medical condition that deserves the same level of care and attention as any other health issue.
When you’re considering treatment for substance use disorder, it’s essential to understand that your Meritain plan is designed to support your journey to recovery. As one of the most reliable insurance providers with addiction coverage, Meritain recognizes that seeking help takes tremendous courage, and they’ve structured their benefits to make treatment both accessible and affordable for their members.
What Meritain Covers for Addiction Treatment
Meritain plans provide comprehensive coverage for substance use disorders, and Meritain will cover all or some of your drug rehab treatment, depending on your specific plan and the types of services you seek. Your coverage typically includes a comprehensive range of addiction treatment services designed to address every aspect of your recovery journey, making Meritain one of the most supportive insurance providers with addiction coverage available today.
Medical Detox
Medical detoxification, which is often the first step in addiction treatment, is covered under most Meritain plans. This medically supervised process helps you safely withdraw from substances while managing potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms. During this phase, you’ll have access to 24/7 medical monitoring and FDA-approved medications to ease discomfort and ensure your safety.
Inpatient/Residential Rehab
Inpatient Treatment Programs: For those requiring intensive, round-the-clock care, Meritain covers inpatient residential treatment programs that may provide up to six weeks of comprehensive care, though the exact duration depends on your individual needs and treatment plan. These programs provide a structured environment where you can focus entirely on your recovery without the distractions and triggers of daily life. The residential setting allows for immersive therapeutic work while you’re surrounded by compassionate professionals who understand your journey.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
Outpatient Treatment Programs: Meritain also covers outpatient treatment programs for up to 12 weeks, offering flexibility for those who need to maintain work, family, or educational responsibilities while receiving treatment. These programs include intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization programs, providing varying levels of support based on your specific needs. The beauty of outpatient care is that it allows you to apply what you’re learning in treatment to your daily life while still having professional support.
Individual Therapy Sessions:
Individual Therapy Sessions: Recognizing that therapy is the cornerstone of effective addiction treatment, Meritain includes coverage for individual therapy sessions with licensed clinicians who specialize in addiction treatment, as well as group therapy sessions that provide peer support and shared learning experiences. These therapeutic relationships become vital sources of guidance and understanding as you navigate the complexities of recovery.
Family Therapy Sessions:
Family Therapy Sessions: Understanding that addiction affects entire families, Meritain covers family therapy sessions designed to rebuild trust, improve communication, and educate family members about how they can best support your recovery journey. These sessions acknowledge that healing happens not just for the individual but for the entire family system that has been impacted by addiction.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-Assisted Treatment: For those struggling with opioid or alcohol addiction, Meritain covers medication-assisted treatment, which combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a comprehensive approach to recovery. This evidence-based treatment recognizes that some addictions benefit from medical intervention alongside therapeutic support, making Meritain a standout among insurance providers with addiction coverage.
Types of Meritain Health Plans and Coverage Levels
Meritain offers several types of health plans, each with different coverage structures that can impact your out-of-pocket costs for addiction treatment.
Self-Funded Plans
Meritain specializes in administering self-funded health plans for employers. These plans are funded by the employer rather than an insurance company, with Meritain providing administrative services. Self-funded plans often offer more flexibility in coverage design and may provide enhanced benefits for addiction treatment. The employer works with Meritain to design benefit structures that meet their employees’ needs while controlling costs.
Fully-Insured Plans
Meritain also offers fully-insured plans where the insurance risk is transferred to the insurance carrier. These plans typically follow standard coverage guidelines and provide predictable benefit structures for addiction treatment. Fully-insured plans often have standardized copayments and coinsurance rates that make it easier to understand your out-of-pocket costs for treatment.
High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs)
Meritain offers high-deductible plans that can help you pay for addiction treatment. While these plans have higher upfront costs before coverage kicks in, they often come with lower monthly premiums and may be paired with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) that can help offset the costs of treatment. These plans make Meritain competitive among insurance providers with addiction coverage for cost-conscious consumers.
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Coverage
Understanding the difference between in-network and out-of-network providers is crucial for maximizing your Meritain benefits and minimizing your out-of-pocket expenses.
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When you choose an in-network treatment facility, you’ll receive the maximum benefits your plan offers. For in-network inpatient services, some Meritain plans have 0% coinsurance—insurance that kicks in once you pay your full deductible. This means that after meeting your deductible, you may have no additional costs for covered services.
To illustrate how in-network benefits work, consider this example: The cost of rehab is $15,000, but because the rehab is in-network, Meritain has negotiated a rate of $10,000. Assuming your deductible has been met, you would be responsible for 20 percent of the $10,000, or $2,000. This negotiated rate system makes Meritain one of the most cost-effective insurance providers with addiction coverage.
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Regarding out-of-network providers, coverage varies based on location and the type of plan. While Meritain may cover some of the costs for out-of-network treatment, coverage can be significantly reduced. Additionally, you may be responsible for the difference between what the provider charges and what Meritain considers a reasonable and customary rate.
How Much Will Rehab Cost With Meritain Insurance?
The financial aspect of addiction treatment can feel overwhelming, but understanding your Meritain benefits can help you plan effectively. Coverage depends on your policy and whether you have met your deductible during treatment.
Deductibles
Your deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage begins. Once you meet your annual deductible, your insurance will begin covering covered services according to your plan’s terms. Meritain’s competitive deductible structures make them accessible among insurance providers with addiction coverage.
Copayments and Coinsurance
After meeting your deductible, you may still be responsible for copayments (fixed amounts) or coinsurance (a percentage of the total cost) for certain services. Other plans may require a copay per admission for different services. Meritain’s transparent cost structure helps you understand exactly what you’ll pay for each type of treatment.
Out-of-Pocket Maximums
Every Meritain plan has an out-of-pocket maximum, which is the most you’ll pay for covered services in a plan year. Once you reach this limit, Meritain covers 100% of covered services for the remainder of the plan year. This protection makes Meritain particularly attractive among insurance providers with addiction coverage.
How to Verify Your Meritain Benefits
Before beginning treatment, it’s essential to verify your specific benefits and understand what your plan covers. Here’s how you can access this information:
Online Portal
You can access details about your Meritain rehab coverage by logging into Meritain’s member portal. This online resource provides detailed information about your specific plan benefits, including coverage for substance abuse treatment, making it easy to understand why Meritain ranks among the top insurance providers with addiction coverage.
Customer Service
Calling Meritain’s customer service line can provide you with personalized information about your benefits. Have your member ID card ready when you call, and ask specifically about:
- Your deductible and whether it’s been met
- Copayment or coinsurance amounts for different types of treatment
- Which treatment facilities are in-network in your area
- Pre-authorization requirements for treatment
- Coverage limits for different levels of care
Let Live Again Detox do the work
Many reputable addiction treatment centers have admissions specialists who can help verify your benefits for you. This service takes the confusion out of understanding your coverage and can help you focus on what matters most: your recovery. Treatment centers like Live Again Detox often work regularly with Meritain and other insurance providers with addiction coverage, making the verification process seamless. Live Again Detox specializes in comprehensive addiction treatment and can help verify your Meritain benefits while providing personalized care for your recovery journey.
Mental Health Parity and Your Rights
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act ensures that insurance coverage for substance use disorder treatment is equivalent to coverage for other medical conditions. This means that Meritain, like other responsible insurance providers with addiction coverage, cannot impose more restrictive limitations on addiction treatment than they do on other medical treatments.
Your rights under mental health parity include equal coverage for substance abuse treatment and other medical conditions, the same copayment and deductible structures, equivalent coverage limits and treatment duration, and access to the same network of providers. This means that seeking help for addiction should feel no different from seeking help for any other health condition, because that’s exactly what it is.
Continuing Care and Long-Term Support
Recovery is a lifelong journey, and Meritain recognizes the importance of ongoing support through their comprehensive continuing care programs. These programs distinguish Meritain among insurance providers with addiction coverage by including continued individual and group therapy sessions to help maintain sobriety and address ongoing challenges, ongoing monitoring and adjustment of medications used in medication-assisted treatment programs, specialized relapse prevention programs designed to help you identify triggers and develop coping strategies, and coverage for participation in structured support groups and recovery programs.
This continuity of care ensures that your recovery doesn’t end when you complete your initial treatment program. Meritain’s commitment to long-term recovery support makes them one of the most comprehensive insurance providers with addiction coverage available.
Finding In-Network Treatment Providers
It’s important to confirm that Meritain works with any prospective rehabs before committing to treatment. You can find in-network treatment providers through Meritain’s online provider directory, which allows you to search for addiction treatment facilities in your area that accept your insurance.
Many treatment centers also list the insurance plans they accept on their websites or will verify your benefits over the phone, making it easier to understand your coverage before beginning treatment. Additionally, your primary care physician or mental health professional may be able to refer you to in-network addiction treatment providers who understand both your medical history and your insurance benefits with Meritain and other insurance providers with addiction coverage.
If you’re uninsured or your current coverage is insufficient, you may have options to obtain or improve your insurance coverage. Certain life events may qualify you for a special enrollment period, allowing you to enroll in or change your health insurance outside of the annual open enrollment period.
These qualifying events include losing existing health coverage, getting married or divorced, having a baby or adopting a child, moving to a different area, or experiencing changes in income that affect your eligibility. Additionally, suppose your employer offers health insurance through Meritain or other insurance providers with addiction coverage. In that case, you may be able to enroll during your company’s open enrollment period or after experiencing a qualifying life event.
You may also be eligible to purchase insurance through your state’s health insurance marketplace, potentially with subsidies to help make coverage more affordable.
in-network providers when possible to maximize your benefits and minimize out-of-pocket costs. Take time to review your specific plan documents or speak with customer service to understand your benefits, limitations, and costs thoroughly.
Don’t skip the pre-authorization process if your plan requires it, as this could result in denied claims that delay your treatment. Maintain detailed records of all treatment-related expenses, as you may be able to use them for tax deductions or flexible spending account reimbursements.
If a claim is denied, remember that you have the right to appeal the decision, and working with your treatment provider can help you understand the reason for the denial and provide additional documentation if needed. These strategies work with Meritain and other insurance providers with addiction coverage.
Taking the First Step
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your Meritain insurance benefits are there to support you on this journey, removing financial barriers that might otherwise prevent you from getting the care you need.
Recovery is possible, and you don’t have to face it alone. With Meritain’s comprehensive coverage for addiction treatment, you can focus on healing and building a foundation for lasting sobriety. Among all insurance providers with addiction coverage, Meritain’s commitment to comprehensive care and member support makes it an excellent choice for those seeking recovery.
The path to recovery begins with a single step, and your insurance coverage is designed to support you every step of the way. Don’t wait for tomorrow to start your journey to recovery. Reach out to an in-network treatment provider today to verify your benefits and take that crucial first step toward a healthier, substance-free life. For those in Tennessee, Live Again Detox offers comprehensive addiction treatment services and can help verify your Meritain coverage while providing personalized care throughout your recovery journey.
Remember, recovery is not just possible, it’s within your reach, and your Meritain insurance is there to help make it happen.
What Our Patients Say
Hear directly from those who have walked the path to recovery at Live Again Detox. Our patients’ stories highlight the compassionate care, effective programs, and life-changing support they’ve experienced. Let their journeys inspire you as you take your first steps toward healing.
Love and gratitude to Matt for greeting me the first night and for being so kind during check in and every night that I saw him after that (thanks for the Earl Grey tea Matt 😊), Chelsea and Leigh Anne for their group work- they both have an incredible way of sharing things they have learned that really help you heal from within and you start wanting just to soak up all of their knowledge 💜, Nurse Kelly (night shift) and Nurse Chris (days) give the best hugs and uplifting advice especially since I am a nurse and they particularly focused on not allowing me to focus on shame and guilt, but on my accomplishments and what I have to look forward to moving forward- they treated me with complete respect (love you both 🤗) All of the nurses were caring and just amazing- Stacy, Sheila, Marlene, Patricia, Kelly on day shift. Additional shout outs to my therapist Chris….. he helped me work through so many things and gave me great coping skills to use at LAD and to take with me (can’t thank you enough), Nick for morning meditations and great insight and also all of his spunk, Josue for some very interesting, informative, and inspiring conversations on Sundays, Chris (night tech) for is humor and late night conversations when some of us couldn’t sleep, and Luke for his peaceful nature.
If you need help, please call LAD! It’s a small group of people, 12 at max capacity, super caring and attentive staff, great food and soooo many snacks/drinks available 24/7, lovely facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did you know that your Meritain Insurance plan may cover medical detox?
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Medically Reviewed By:
Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Addictionologist
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Clinically Reviewed By:
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1. Meritain Insurance Coverage
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Meritain Health. (n.d.). Member services. https://www.meritain.com/about-us/meritain-health-member-services/
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Meritain Health. (2025). Case management assists with obtaining medically necessary treatment (SPD). https://www.meritain.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Meritain-Health-2021-2022-SPD.pdf
2. Addiction Science
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National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Principles of drug addiction treatment: A research-based guide (3rd ed.). https://nida.nih.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition
3. Evidence-Based Care
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). Medications for opioid use disorder. https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-opioid-use-disorder
4. Tennessee Resources
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Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. (n.d.). Find a licensed facility or service. https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/licensing/find-a-licensed-facility-or-service.html
State Licensed
Live Again Detox is licensed by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, ensuring compliance with state regulations for safe, ethical, and effective addiction treatment.
The Joint Commission
The Gold Seal of Approval® signifies that Live Again Detox meets or exceeds rigorous national standards for patient care, safety, and quality.
LegitScript Certified
Live Again Detox is certified by LegitScript, confirming compliance with laws and standards for ethical marketing and patient transparency in addiction treatment.
HIPAA Compliant
Ensures patient information at Live Again Detox is fully protected under federal privacy regulations.
BBB Accredited
Demonstrates Live Again Detox’s commitment to ethical business practices and community trust.
Chamber of Commerce Member
Live Again Detox is an active member of the local Chamber of Commerce, reflecting its commitment to community growth and support.
ASAM Member
Membership in the American Society of Addiction Medicine reflects Live Again Detox’s dedication to science-based treatment and advancing standards in addiction care.
Psychology Today Verified
A verified listing on Psychology Today confirms that Live Again Detox provides trustworthy and transparent treatment services.
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Medically Reviewed By:
Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Addictionologist
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Clinically Reviewed By:
Board Certified Clinical Social Worker
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1. Meritain Health Coverage Overview
Claim: Meritain Health—an Aetna subsidiary and third-party administrator—offers coverage for substance use disorder treatment options including detox, residential, outpatient, IOP, and PHP, depending on the plan.
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TreatmentSolutions.com. (2023, October 11). Does Meritain Health Insurance Cover Drug and Alcohol Rehab? treatment _info. https://treatmentsolutions.com/treatment/insurance‑information/meritain‑health‑covered‑drug‑rehab/ Compassion Behavioral Health+15Treatment Solutions+15Recovery.org+15
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Recovery.org. (2024, October 3). Addiction Treatment Covered by Meritain Health. Recovery.org. https://recovery.org/insurance-for-addiction-treatment/aetna-drug-alcohol-rehab/meritain-health/ Recovery.org
2. Levels of Care Covered
Claim: Meritain plans may cover various levels of care—medical detox, inpatient residential, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and standard outpatient—though coverage limitations vary by plan.
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AmericanAddictionCenters.org. (2023, February 17). How to Pay for Drug Rehab With Meritain Insurance. AAC. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/insurance-coverage/meritain-insurance/ epconnect.org+15American Addiction Centers+15Project Know+15
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UrbanRecovery.com. (2023, December 1). Does Meritain Health Cover Rehab Treatment? Urban Recovery. https://urbanrecovery.com/blog/does-meritain-health-cover-rehab-treatment urbanrecovery.com+1
3. Network Access & Member Services
Claim: Meritain Health members have access to Aetna’s extensive provider network and benefit from customer service tools including portals, claim tracking, and member support.
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Meritain.com. (n.d.). Member services. Meritain Health. https://www.meritain.com/about-us/meritain-health-member-services/ Recovery.org+15Meritain Health+15Meritain Health+15
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Meritain.com. (n.d.). Elevating the Mental Well‑Being Experience. Meritain Health. https://www.meritain.com/elevating-the-mental-well-being-experience/ Meritain Health
4. Privacy & Plan Variation
Claim: Coverage for substance use disorders may differ widely across self-funded plans; members are encouraged to verify benefits due to possible limits on duration, out-of-network access, or preauthorization.
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Recovery.org. (2024, October 3). Addiction Treatment Covered by Meritain Health. Recovery.org. https://recovery.org/insurance-for-addiction-treatment/aetna-drug-alcohol-rehab/meritain-health/ Rehab.com+4Recovery.org+4Drug Rehab Options+4
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ProjectKnow.com. (2023). Insurance for Addiction Rehabilitation: Meritain Health. Project Know. https://projectknow.com/rehab/costs/insurance-for-addiction-rehabilitation/meritain-health/ Project Know
5. Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment
Claim: Evidence-based treatments—such as behavioral therapies and medication-assisted treatment—are essential components of effective substance use disorder care.
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National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Principles of drug addiction treatment: A research-based guide (3rd ed.). National Institutes of Health. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition
State Licensed
Live Again Detox is licensed by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, ensuring compliance with state regulations for safe, ethical, and effective addiction treatment.
The Joint Commission
The Gold Seal of Approval® signifies that Live Again Detox meets or exceeds rigorous national standards for patient care, safety, and quality.
LegitScript Certified
Live Again Detox is certified by LegitScript, confirming compliance with laws and standards for ethical marketing and patient transparency in addiction treatment.
HIPAA Compliant
Ensures patient information at Live Again Detox is fully protected under federal privacy regulations.
BBB Accredited
Demonstrates Live Again Detox’s commitment to ethical business practices and community trust.
Chamber of Commerce Member
Live Again Detox is an active member of the local Chamber of Commerce, reflecting its commitment to community growth and support.
ASAM Member
Membership in the American Society of Addiction Medicine reflects Live Again Detox’s dedication to science-based treatment and advancing standards in addiction care.
Psychology Today Verified
A verified listing on Psychology Today confirms that Live Again Detox provides trustworthy and transparent treatment services.
Did you know that your Meritain Insurance plan may cover medical detox?
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