Questions Answered in This Article:
- What Is GEHA Insurance and Who Does It Cover?
- What Addiction Treatment Services Are Covered?
- How Much Will You Pay Out-of-Pocket?
- How to Find a Rehab Center That Accepts GEHA
- Does GEHA Cover Mental Health Treatments Too?
Health insurance can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re looking for addiction or mental health treatment. If you’re covered by GEHA, you may be surprised by how much support is available through GEHA rehab coverage for a wide range of recovery services.
GEHA (Government Employees Health Association) is one of the largest benefit providers for federal employees, offering a range of health plans that include coverage for behavioral health and substance use treatment. Whether you need residential rehab, detox, or ongoing therapy, understanding what GEHA rehab coverage includes can help you make informed decisions and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
What Is GEHA Insurance and Who Does It Cover?
GEHA is a non-profit association that provides medical and dental plans to federal employees, retirees, and their families. Founded in 1937, GEHA is part of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and currently serves over 2 million members.
GEHA offers multiple health plans—such as Standard, High, and HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan)—with varying levels of benefits. If you’re struggling with mental health or drug and alcohol addiction, your GEHA medical insurance likely includes access to essential rehab treatment services.
GEHA health plans insurance rehab coverage typically includes:
- Inpatient and outpatient rehab treatment
- Medical detox and stabilization services
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Individual, group, and family counseling
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- Mental health treatments for co-occurring disorders
GEHA benefits are designed to make addiction and behavioral healthcare accessible for federal employees—though the level of coverage will vary based on the specific plan you’re enrolled in.
What Addiction Treatment Services Are Covered?
GEHA rehab coverage includes a wide range of evidence-based addiction treatment services when they’re deemed medically necessary. Coverage varies by plan but typically supports both inpatient and outpatient levels of care, helping members access support tailored to their needs. Depending on your location and GEHA plan, your insurance may cover:
- Medical Detox: Medically supervised withdrawal management to help safely stop substance use.
- Residential Treatment: 24/7 inpatient care in a structured, therapeutic environment.
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs): Daytime treatment for those who need more than outpatient care but don’t require overnight stays.
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs): Structured therapy several times per week while still allowing patients to live at home.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Use of FDA-approved medications like Suboxone or Vivitrol combined with behavioral therapy.
- Therapy and Counseling: Individual and group sessions to address underlying emotional and psychological causes of addiction.
These services are often provided by licensed rehab centers, including facilities like Scottsdale Detox, which specialize in both medical detox and longer-term recovery support. Before starting treatment, it’s important to confirm whether the facility is in-network with GEHA and whether a referral or prior authorization is needed. Calling your plan provider or the treatment center directly can save time and avoid surprise costs.
How Much Will You Pay Out-of-Pocket?
Understanding what you’ll pay out of pocket is key to planning for treatment. While GEHA does cover many types of addiction treatment, the actual costs depend on your specific plan, whether the provider is in-network, and the level of care required.
Here’s a breakdown of potential pocket expenses:
- Deductibles: Most plans require you to meet an annual deductible before coverage kicks in.
- Coinsurance: After your deductible is met, you may be responsible for a percentage of treatment costs (e.g., 20%).
- Copayments: For outpatient visits, there may be a fixed fee per visit.
- Out-of-network costs: If you choose a provider not contracted with GEHA, your expenses may be significantly higher—or not covered at all.
Most GEHA health plans offer cost estimation tools and care navigators who can walk you through expected costs. Some centers, like Scottsdale Detox, also provide insurance verification support to help clarify coverage before admission.
How to Find a Rehab Center That Accepts GEHA
Finding a rehab center that accepts GEHA doesn’t have to be complicated. GEHA members have access to a national network of providers through the UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus network, including many highly rated treatment centers.
Here’s how to find a GEHA-eligible rehab facility:
- Use GEHA’s provider directory through the member portal.
- Call GEHA Member Services to confirm benefits and coverage.
- Contact treatment centers directly to check if they accept GEHA.
- Look for licensed, accredited facilities (Joint Commission, CARF, etc.).
Not every rehab offers every level of care, so you’ll want to choose one aligned with your clinical needs and personal recovery goals.
Does GEHA Cover Mental Health Treatments Too?
Yes—GEHA provides comprehensive mental health benefits, which are especially important for people facing co-occurring disorders (dual diagnosis). Addiction rarely exists in isolation, and addressing underlying mental health concerns is essential for lasting recovery.
Covered mental health services often include:
- Psychiatric evaluations
- Medication management
- Individual and group therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Trauma-informed care (e.g., EMDR)
- Teletherapy and virtual care options
Mental health treatment is covered similarly to addiction treatment, meaning services are eligible if they’re considered medically necessary and provided by a licensed practitioner. For many patients, combining mental health support with substance use treatment leads to better outcomes and lower relapse risk.
Steps to Take Before Starting Rehab with GEHA
Getting started with treatment can feel overwhelming, but GEHA aims to make the process as seamless as possible. By following a few simple steps, you can begin recovery with confidence—and clarity around your benefits.
Checklist to Prepare for GEHA-Covered Rehab:
- Review your GEHA plan documents
- Call your primary care physician or therapist for a referral (if needed)
- Verify in-network providers through GEHA or directly with the rehab center
- Ask about pre-authorization requirements
- Clarify all out-of-pocket costs upfront
- Confirm whether follow-up care (outpatient, MAT, therapy) is included
If you’re unsure where to start, reaching out to a treatment center like Scottsdale Detox can help. Their admissions team can walk you through the process, verify your GEHA insurance, and help you plan the next steps in your recovery journey.
Start Rehab with GEHA Medical Insurance Support
If you have GEHA rehab coverage, you’re already one step closer to receiving effective, affordable care for addiction and mental health treatment. Whether you need medical detox, residential rehab, or ongoing therapy, your GEHA health plan can help make it possible—without overwhelming out-of-pocket costs.
At Scottsdale Detox, we work closely with GEHA insurance to verify your benefits, streamline admissions, and provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your needs as a federal employee. Don’t wait to take back control. Call us today at (480) 646-7660 to verify your GEHA coverage and start your recovery with confidence. Healing is possible—and it starts here.
