Medi-Cal Insurance

Medi-Cal is a Medicaid program in the state of California that offers free or low-cost health coverage for families and individuals with limited income and resources. Members who are eligible and struggling with alcohol or drug abuse can receive substance use disorder (SUD) services at a Drug Medi-Cal certified program. Many of Medi-Cal’s services, including those for treating substance use disorders, are made accessible through waiver programs. If you would like to see which rehabs are covered under Medi-Cal, click here and view a directory of rehabs available across the US.

Policy Coverage For Substance Abuse

In 2015 the federal government approved California’s Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS) Waiver amendment. The approval expanded services to include more individuals and requires evidence-based practices be more readily available for treatment of SUDs. The DMC-ODS is a project to expand services such as, “case management, multiple levels of residential SUD treatment, withdrawal management, recovery services, physician consultation, and the option to provide Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and partial hospitalization,” according to the California Health Care Foundation. Click here to speak with a treatment provider today about your coverage in relation to SUD treatment.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) guarantees that all Medicare health plans offer Essential Health Benefits (EHB) including:

  • Outpatient services
  • Emergency services
  • Hospitalization
  • Maternity and newborn care
  • Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder services
  • Prescription drugs
  • Rehabilitative services and devices
  • Laboratory services
  • Preventative and wellness services and chronic disease management

The following SUD services are available for beneficiaries who live in an opt-in DMC-ODS county:

  • Outpatient services
  • Intensive outpatient services
  • Residential treatment (multiple levels of care for all enrollees and no bed limitation)
  • Withdrawal management
  • Narcotic treatment services
  • Recovery services
  • Case Management
  • Physician consultation
  • Additional medication assisted treatment
  • Partial hospitalization

Beneficiaries who do not reside in an opt-in DMC-ODS county have the following benefits available:

  • Outpatient services
  • Intensive outpatient services
  • Perinatal residential treatment
  • Narcotic treatment program services

Paid Advertising. We may receive advertising fees if you follow links to the BetterHelp site.

Online Addiction Counseling

Get professional help from an online addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp.

Get Matched
Begin Therapy
  • Personalized Matching Process
  • Easy Online Scheduling
  • 30,000+ Licensed Therapists

TAKE ASSESSMENT

Does Medi-Cal Cover Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment?

If you have coverage under Medi-Cal you may have the option of either outpatient services or intensive outpatient services (also known as intensive outpatient programs or IOPS) depending on the county you live in. IOPS require increased time spent within treatment and involves more counseling and therapy sessions, while still allowing clients to keep their jobs and live at home.

Does Medi-Cal Cover the Cost of Treatment At An Inpatient Rehab Center?

If you live in a county that offers the DMC-ODS waiver, you may be eligible for treatment at an inpatient drug rehabilitation center. The DMC-ODS criteria requires that short-term residential services, or those up to 90 days, be available.

Opioid Medicated Assisted Treatment In California

California has implemented protocols which make buprenorphine more accessible within the state. Suboxone, a medication used to treat cravings and symptoms of Opioid withdrawals, is made of buprenorphine and Naloxone. A Treatment Authorization Request (TAR), or prior authorization, is no longer required by Medi-Cal for most buprenorphine medications, although a DEA waiver and a diagnosis of opioid addiction are necessary to obtain the medication.

Suboxone is a beneficial medication for medically assisted treatment and easier access to it in a timely manner can help someone begin their road to recovery sooner.

Looking for a place to start?

Join the thousands of people that have called a treatment provider for rehab information.

Free and confidential

Available 24/7

Access to professional treatment

Make a Call (870) 515-4356 (870) 515-4356

OR

Request a Call

How Can I Pay the Costs Not Covered By Medi-Cal?

Paying for addiction treatment can be stressful but it doesn’t have to stop you from getting treatment. Contact a treatment provider who can discuss treatment options with you.

Explore Online
Addiction Therapy Options

Paid Advertising. We may receive advertising fees if you follow links to promoted websites.

BetterHelp - Professional Therapy, 100% Online

Get professional help from an addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp via phone, video, or live-chat.

Take the Quiz. Get Matched. Begin Therapy.

GET STARTED

Talkspace - Online Therapy On Your Schedule

Mental health support, with or without insurance. Match with a licensed therapist and get convenient care from anywhere.

Get matched to a therapist to get started.

GET STARTED

View More Online Therapy Options

Recovery Starts Today

It’s time to make a change. Start exploring your recovery options.

(870) 515-4356