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outcome-oriented treatment that adheres to an established continuum of care. In this section, you
will find information and resources related to evidence-based treatment models, counseling and
therapy and payment and insurance options.
Treatment for addiction takes many forms and depends on the needs of the
individual. In accordance with the American Society of Addiction Medicine, we offer
information on outcome-oriented treatment that adheres to an established continuum of
care. In this section, you will find information and resources related to evidence-based
treatment models, counseling and therapy and payment and insurance options.
The recovery process doesn't end after 90 days of treatment. The transition back to
life outside of rehab is fraught with the potential for relapse. Aftercare resources such as
12-step groups, sober living homes and support for family and friends promote a life rich with
rewarding relationships and meaning.
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prevention, empowering others through stories of strength and courage. From people in active
recovery to advocates who have lost loved ones to the devastating disease of addiction, our
community understands the struggle and provides guidance born of personal experience.
Aetna covers numerous substance abuse treatments, including detoxification, inpatient and outpatient services, partial hospitalization and continuing care. Learn how Aetna insurance can pay for your addiction treatment.
Yes. Most Aetna plans cover drug and alcohol rehab, including medical detox, inpatient and outpatient care, when a clinician documents that it is medically necessary. What you pay depends on your plan's deductible, coinsurance and whether the treatment center is in Aetna's network.
Rehabs That Take Aetna: Our In-Network Campuses
These treatment centers are in network with Aetna. Network status is set plan by plan, so admissions checks your exact policy, what it pays at each level of care and whether prior authorization is needed, on one call.
The Recovery Village Umatilla Umatilla · Detox, inpatient, PHP, outpatient, aftercare, inpatient mental health In network: substance use and mental health
Orlando Recovery Center Orlando · Detox, inpatient, inpatient mental health, PHP, aftercare In network: substance use and mental health
Orlando Outpatient Center Maitland · Outpatient, IOP, telehealth In network: substance use and mental health
The Recovery Village Kansas City Raytown · Detox, inpatient, inpatient mental health, dual diagnosis, aftercare, MAT, IOP In network: substance use and mental health
The Ranch Pennsylvania Wrightsville · Detox, inpatient, inpatient mental health, PHP, IOP, aftercare In network: substance use and mental health; includes Meritain Health
The Ranch Tennessee Dickson · Detox, inpatient, inpatient mental health, PHP, IOP, aftercare In network: substance use and mental health; includes Meritain Health
Promises Brazos Valley College Station · Detox, inpatient, inpatient mental health, PHP, IOP, aftercare In network: substance use and mental health; includes Meritain Health
Promises Dallas-Fort Worth Lewisville · Detox, inpatient, inpatient mental health, IOP, aftercare In network: substance use and mental health; includes Meritain Health
The Right Step Houston Houston · Detox, inpatient, PHP, IOP, aftercare In network: substance use treatment; includes Meritain Health
The Recovery Village Ridgefield Ridgefield · Detox, inpatient, PHP, IOP, dual diagnosis, MAT In network: substance use treatment
Network status last checked against our contract list on September 25, 2026. Plans change; admissions confirms coverage before you travel.
Does Aetna Cover Rehab?
Founded in 1853, Aetna strives to provide the best health coverage for individuals in need of medical care. Aetna medical insurance covers more than 20 million people including students, Americans who are out of the country and more than 500,000 international members.
Aetna is committed to behavioral and mental health. Its medical teams are trained to identify specific conditions and tailor a treatment plan based on what the individual needs. Aetna members can also call a toll free customer service center — available 24/7 — to inquire about their policies.
Types of Substance Abuse Treatment Covered by Aetna
In the past, the standard approach to substance abuse treatment included a referral to an inpatient or residential program that would span 28 days. Now, an individual can receive different modes of treatment depending on the stage of their substance use disorder.
Aetna covers detoxification, inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. It requires precertification of some behavioral and mental health services to ensure that the requested service meets the company’s criteria for coverage.
Services requiring precertification include:
Inpatient admissions
Residential treatment center admissions
Partial hospitalization programs
Intensive outpatient programs
Psychological testing
Neuropsychological testing
Outpatient electroconvulsive therapy
Biofeedback
Amytal interview
Psychiatric home care services
Outpatient detoxification
However, these requirements do not apply to behavioral health benefit plans that Aetna administers but does not manage or self-funded plans with sponsors who have bought precertification requirements.
In order to receive Aetna’s Exclusive Provider Organization coverage, the treatment plan must be supervised by an in-network physician or licensed provider and be implemented for a condition that can be positively changed.
Inpatient Treatment Coverage
Aetna covers semi-private room and board and other services at a licensed residential treatment facility, hospital or psychiatric care facility.
Aetna’s inpatient coverage includes:
Hospital administered treatment for medical complications stemming from substance abuse
Medical complications, such as detoxification, cirrhosis, delirium tremens and malnutrition
However, Aetna will only cover hospital treatment if the hospital does not have a separate substance abuse treatment facility.
Outpatient Treatment Coverage
Aetna covers substance abuse treatment received in an outpatient setting in a hospital, psychiatric hospital or residential treatment facility. This plan also covers partial hospitalization services that involve intermediate short-term or medically directed intensive treatment of alcohol and drug abuse.
Aetna’s Continuing Care Support
Substance abuse treatment programs in Aetna’s network include continuing care support. Continuing care consists of weekly support groups, and former patients sometimes organize their own recovery meetings. Continuing care also involves post-treatment therapy.
Recovery from drug and alcohol addiction lasts a lifetime. People in recovery achieve the best results when they remain connected with a professional treatment program and attend support or self-help groups in their community.
Constant support reduces the chances of a relapse. However, if a person relapses they should seek immediate professional help to reestablish their recovery.
In-Network vs Out-of-Network Providers
In-network providers require a person to pay only their deductible or coinsurance amount.
Aetna’s in-network providers are less costly than out-of-network providers. The table below shows a breakdown of in-network costs versus out-of-network costs for a two-week stay for chemical dependency rehab.
In-network costs versus out-of-network costs for a two-week stay for chemical dependency rehab
In Network
Out of Network
Calculated Treatment Cost
$9,729
$17,393
Coverage
80%
60%
Amount Aetna pays
$7,783
$10,436
Amount that can be balance billed
$0
$1,914
Total Out of Pocket
$1,946
$8,871
When a patient goes out of network, Aetna determines the cost of treatment. Individuals are responsible for the difference between the billed amount and Aetna’s calculated treatment costs.
In-network plans cap out-of-pocket costs for covered services. However, when an individual goes out of network, the difference between the out-of-network healthcare provider’s bill and Aetna’s recognized amount does not count toward the deductible cap.
If Aetna members require emergency care while they are away at school or traveling abroad, they can seek treatment at an out-of-network provider and receive in-network coverage. However, Aetna requires proof that the situation was urgent.
Paying the Difference
While Aetna covers the majority of substance abuse treatment programs, individuals may still have to come up with money for copayments and any services not covered by their plan.
People can use their savings to pay for the remaining health care costs. Other ways to help pay for the difference are reverse mortgages, annuities and trusts. You can also speak to your rehab facility to determine whether they have payment plans that will allow you to receive treatment without worrying about payment upfront.
What to Consider When Choosing a Treatment Program
When choosing a treatment program, individuals and their loved ones should consider several factors. While it is important to choose a treatment center that takes your insurance, it is also paramount that the treatment center fits the needs of the individual seeking treatment.
Aetna drafted a list of things to look for when choosing a treatment program, including:
A local treatment program to allow the individual to receive love and support from their friends and family while undergoing treatment
PHPs or intensive outpatient programs that will allow the person to maintain their daily routines while receiving care for substance abuse
A program with strict monitoring and drug screening to prevent patients’ exposure to drugs and alcohol
A treatment plan that educates loved ones about substance use disorders and teaches coping skills to deal with the situation
A care plan that includes medications to assist in treatment and recovery, depending on the individual needs of the person receiving care
Psychiatric evaluations and treatment for patients with co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety
A list of local people and programs that will aid in recovery after treatment
Aetna has carefully selected the health care providers in its network to ensure that members receive high quality care. For further information, contact a rehabilitation facility that will work with you to achieve the best outcome by addressing your financial and health concerns.
Medical Disclaimer: DrugRehab.com aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Aetna pay for rehab?
Usually, yes. Most Aetna plans cover drug and alcohol rehab when a clinician documents that it is medically necessary. Your plan decides which levels of care are covered, what you pay and whether prior authorization is needed, so check your specific policy before admission.
Which rehabs take Aetna?
The list at the top of this page shows each of our campuses that is in network with Aetna, by state, and whether that contract covers substance use treatment only or mental health care too. Admissions confirms your exact plan before you travel.
How long will Aetna pay for rehab?
There is no fixed number of days. Insurers approve residential and inpatient care in blocks and extend it through continued stay reviews based on medical necessity. Your treatment team sends clinical updates at each review, and the plan decides whether to authorize more days.
Does Aetna cover medical detox?
Usually, when an assessment shows that withdrawal needs medical supervision. Detox is typically authorized as its own level of care. Coverage depends on medical necessity, your plan and whether the facility is in network.
How do I check my Aetna benefits for rehab?
Call the member services number on your insurance card, or use the Verify your benefits button on this page and admissions will check for you. Ask about network status, covered levels of care, prior authorization, your deductible and your out-of-pocket maximum.
Sonia Tagliareni is a writer and researcher for DrugRehab.com. She is passionate about helping people. She started her professional writing career in 2012 and has since written for the finance, engineering, lifestyle and entertainment industry. Sonia holds a bachelor’s degree from the Florida Institute of Technology.
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Aetna. (2009, May). Behavioral Health Precertification List. Retrieved from http://www.aetnabehavioralhealth.com/i/A/ABHPrecert.pdf
Aetna. (2011, December 1). Benefit Plan. Retrieved from http://www.aetna.com/docfind/cms/assets/pdf/thecheesecakefactory/Aetna_Select_EPO.pdf
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