When you or your loved ones need help with addiction treatment, you want to make sure you’re getting the best care possible. Admitting you need help can be tough, and the process of detoxing can be physically and medically difficult. 

For service members and their families stationed in Southern California, finding TRICARE rehab in San Diego might seem overwhelming. This guide will help you find the right care for you and your family.

Who Is Eligible for TRICARE?

TRICARE insurance covers a wide range of servicemen and servicewomen and their families, including:

• National Guard members and their families
• Reserve members and their families
• Uniformed Service members and their families
• Medal of Honor recipients and their families
• Survivors of deceased military personnel
• Former spouses of military members
• Others who may be eligible in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)

There are plans for both active and retired service members, including some cases of medical retirement. Service members’ children who have aged out of coverage may also be eligible for the Young Adult plan. 

What Treatments Are Covered?

TRICARE plans cover a wide range of mental health issues, including care for substance use disorder. Addiction isn’t the same for everyone, so TRICARE covers different levels of treatment. 

While there are lots of treatments covered by TRICARE, not every rehab facility will offer the same treatment plans. You can reach out to a facility in advance and ask them which of their treatments your benefits will cover. Most facilities provide this information at no cost to you. 

Medical Detoxification

The detoxification process can be a medically dangerous time. Depending on the person and the substance they are trying to stop using, withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening. 

TRICARE will cover medical detoxification processes as part of a larger treatment plan. Patients in in- or out-patient programs, opioid treatment programs, and residential treatment programs all qualify for medical detoxification coverage.

Medication-Assisted Treatment Coverage

Medical detoxification is different from medication-assisted treatment. Medication-assisted treatment is generally used for treatment in opioid use disorders because of the difficulty in quitting opioids cold-turkey.

While patients using medication-assisted treatment often also need medical detoxification care, these are two separate treatments. Treatment centers that provide medication-assisted treatment need certification from the DEA to perform these services.

In-Patient Care

TRICARE covers both emergency and non-emergent in-patient treatment. The goal of this type of treatment is to get you through withdrawal symptoms and treat any medical issues that arose from your addiction.

Whether you are experiencing a medical emergency or a psychiatric emergency, in-patient treatment aims to help you stabilize before seeking long-term treatment. 

TRICARE also covers non-emergent in-patient treatment at qualified rehab facilities. For this type of treatment, a patient needs to check in voluntarily. 

Out-Patient Care

Another care option is out-patient treatment. If your or your loved one is actively suffering from addiction but doesn’t need around-the-clock medical supervision, out-patient care might be the best option.

There are multiple levels of out-patient care to help a patient transition out of more intensive care. TRICARE coverage is structured so that you can get the right level of care at every stage of your recovery process.

Residential Programs

TRICARE has options for people who need a very rigidly structured environment and 24-hour supervision. Residential treatment programs offer this type of care.

Most people receiving this level of care are either young (under the age of 21), or have additional psychiatric conditions or diagnoses. If you or a loved one is having trouble functioning in the community with out-patient care alone, a TRICARE rehab with a residential program might be the right fit.

Dual Diagnosis

If you have a psychiatric diagnosis in addition to substance use disorder, TRICARE covers dual diagnosis treatment. Addiction is often tangled up in other issues.

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for service members to turn to drugs or alcohol to try to cope with the trauma they’ve experienced during deployment. Dual diagnosis treatment plans treat the substance use disorder as well as the underlying issues and stresses.

Dual diagnosis treatment is often part of larger treatment plans. It can be part of in-patient and out-patient care or residential treatment plans. 

In-Network vs Out-of-Network

The last hurdle in making sure the treatment you need is covered is finding out if a treatment center or clinic is in-network or out-of-network. 

For most TRICARE rehab plans, you’ll need to find an in-network clinic. These facilities will only require a small amount of payment out-of-pocket and will file the claims on your behalf.

Some TRICARE plans do allow for out-of-network facilities. However, for these plans, you will need to pay more out-of-pocket and may have to file your own claims. 

Can You Find TRICARE Rehab in San Diego?

TRICARE offers coverage in facilities around the world so that service members and their families have access to treatment no matter where they’re living. 

San Diego is home to multiple military bases and facilities. Due to a large number of service members and their families in the area, local medical facilities and rehab centers often take TRICARE insurance. 

If you are unsure about whether a medical center takes TRICARE insurance, most will do a benefits analysis for you for free. 

Addiction Treatment with Restore Detox Centers

Getting treatment for your substance use disorder should be a safe, supportive experience. Making a positive change in your life should be a positive experience.

If you’re looking for a quality TRICARE rehab in San Diego, take the first step and reach out to us today to learn more about our services and to see what your TRICARE plan will cover.