Substance abuse disorders and addiction affect nearly 12% of people with Medicaid over the age of 18. Navigating addiction treatment with Medicaid doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At America’s Rehab Campuses, we understand that understanding your benefits is the first step in getting the help you need. If you’re wondering whether your Medicaid covers drug rehab in Arizona, we’re here to guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth journey toward recovery.

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a jointly funded state and federal program that helps cover the cost of medical care for qualifying individuals with limited income. It serves an estimated 66.7 million Americans, including adults, children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Medicaid programs vary from state to state, though every state must adhere to certain federal requirements and guidelines to offer this program.

To apply for Medicaid, you must contact your state’s Medicaid agency and fill out an application. Eligibility for Medicaid in Arizona is based on income, state residency, pregnancy, and citizenship status. Medicaid covers a wide array of addiction treatment services in Arizona, ensuring that no matter where you are on your recovery journey, you have the support you need. From detox and residential rehab to outpatient services and mental health care, Medicaid’s comprehensive coverage means that your treatment can be more accessible than ever. Wondering if detox or inpatient care is included? Our team can help you navigate your plan’s coverage and get you started right away.

When applying for Medicaid or renewing your benefits, you will be asked to provide the following information:

  • Proof of citizenship and identity for everyone in your family who needs benefits
  • Alien Registration Cards for any non-U.S. citizens in your household who need benefits
  • Social Security numbers for everyone in your household, or proof of application for SSNs
  • Birth certificates for everyone in the household who needs benefits
  • Proof of all income your household has received from any source in the current month and the previous month
  • Proof that you are no longer employed, and the date of your last paycheck or payment
  • Name, address, and contact phone number of your landlord or neighbor
  • A written or typed statement made by a non-relative outside of your household that verifies your address and the names of everyone in your household. This document must be signed and dated, and include that person’s address and contact phone number
  • Verification of medical insurance programs outside of the Arizona Medicaid program

Medicaid Billing & CPT Codes for Addiction Treatment

When accessing addiction treatment services through Medicaid in Arizona, it’s essential to understand how billing works to ensure that you get the benefits you’re entitled to. Medicaid covers various addiction treatment services, including inpatient care, outpatient therapy, detox programs, and peer support services. Billing for these services is done using specific codes called CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes. These codes help providers get reimbursed for services rendered and ensure that your treatment is covered properly. For instance, T1006 covers family or couple counseling related to substance use, while T1007 is used for developing or modifying a treatment plan. Additionally, there are specific codes for services like methadone administration (H0020) and peer support (H0038). Understanding these billing codes can help you navigate the process smoothly and avoid unexpected charges.

What is AHCCCS?

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, or AHCCCS, is the name of Arizona’s Medicaid program. AHCCCS was founded in 1982 and serves an estimated 1.9 million individuals and families in Arizona. Those who want to apply for medical coverage through AHCCCS can begin the application process online at the Health-e-Arizona Plus website. The online application process usually only takes about one hour and is available 24/7.

Alternately, you can print an AHCCCS application and follow the instructions on the form to apply for Arizona Medicaid. You will find out whether you have been approved to receive Medicaid benefits within 7 days from the application date if you are currently hospitalized, within 20 days from the application date if you are pregnant, or no later than 45 calendar days from the application date.

AHCCCS Provider Health Plans:

  • Arizona Complete Health – Complete Care Plan (formerly Health Net Access)
  • Banner-University Family Care
  • Care1st Health Plan
  • Magellan Complete Care
  • Mercy Care
  • Steward Health Choice Arizona (formerly Health Choice AZ)
  • UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
  • American Indian Health Program

AHCCCS, Arizona’s Medicaid program, is a powerful tool in accessing addiction treatment services. If you’re an Arizona resident and meet certain eligibility requirements—whether due to income, pregnancy, or other factors—you could be eligible for Medicaid and access a wide variety of rehab services. At America’s Rehab Campuses, we’re here to help you understand if you qualify, and we’ll guide you through the application process if necessary. With AHCCCS, help is just a phone call away.

Using Medicaid for Drug Detox

Drug and alcohol detox is one of two addiction treatment services covered by Medicaid in Arizona. Drug detox is critical for those dependent on substances that can be dangerous and life-threatening to withdraw from, such as alcohol, heroin, prescription opioids, and benzodiazepines.

Without drug detox, people who try quitting these substances on their own can face serious complications such as seizure, psychosis, dehydration, and death. Medicaid helps cover the cost of drug detox so people who suffer from drug dependence can experience a safe withdrawal and recovery.

Using Medicaid for Inpatient Drug Rehab

Inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs are also covered by Arizona’s Medicaid service. Inpatient rehab allows you to stay and live at the facility for the duration of treatment so you can experience a relaxing, productive recovery without distractions or daily stressors like work and household responsibilities.

Inpatient drug rehab helps you settle into a new daily routine packed with healthy, therapeutic activities like yoga, meditation, and exercise, and uses behavioral therapies to treat the root causes of your addiction, including mental health disorders like depression and PTSD. Arizona’s Medicaid program can help cover inpatient drug rehab treatment so you can benefit from long-term recovery and abstinence from drugs and alcohol.

Peer Support Services & Telehealth

Medicaid in Arizona also recognizes the importance of peer support services in addiction recovery. These services offer individuals the chance to connect with others who have lived through similar struggles, providing invaluable emotional support. Peer support can be delivered in individual, group, or even telehealth formats, depending on your needs. Peer support can help reinforce the tools and techniques learned in rehab and provide ongoing encouragement throughout your recovery journey. If you’re receiving peer support via telehealth, your provider will use special CPT codes like H0038 GT to ensure that your sessions are billed properly. This flexibility means that no matter your location, you can continue receiving crucial support as you transition through your recovery process.

Childcare and Transportation Services

Arizona Medicaid goes the extra mile to support patients with additional needs, including childcare for parents in treatment and transportation services to and from rehab centers. If you’re a parent struggling with substance use disorder, knowing that childcare is available during your treatment can be a game-changer. These services help remove the logistical barriers to treatment, allowing you to focus on your recovery without worrying about your children. Additionally, transportation to and from your treatment facility is provided in some cases, making it easier for you to access care, even if you don’t have reliable transportation. These supportive services are designed to ensure that nothing stands in the way of your recovery journey.

Sober Living Homes

While Arizona Medicaid covers many addiction treatment services, it’s important to note that sober living homes are not included in the list of reimbursed services. Medicaid does not provide coverage for room and board at sober living residences, which are often used after completing inpatient rehab. While sober living homes can be a crucial part of long-term recovery, they are considered to be outside the scope of Medicaid’s residential treatment coverage. However, you can continue to receive outpatient services and other supportive care to help maintain sobriety during this transitional phase. If you need assistance finding a sober living home or understanding your options after rehab, contact your treatment provider for guidance.

Begin the Addiction Treatment Process Today

America’s Rehab Campuses accept Medicaid for medical detox and inpatient rehab services. ARC is one of the very few treatment centers in Arizona that accept Medicaid for substance abuse and addiction treatment.

Ready to take the next step toward recovery? At America’s Rehab Campuses, we’re committed to making the process of accessing addiction treatment as simple as possible. Whether you’re looking for detox, inpatient care, or ongoing support, we’ll help you verify your Medicaid benefits and get you started with the right plan. Contact us today to speak with our friendly admissions team and begin your recovery!

author avatar
Dr. Paul R. Valbuena, M.D. Chief Medical Officer
Paul R. Valbuena, M.D., is a double-board-certified psychiatrist practicing in the Phoenix Metro area since 2009. Licensed in Arizona, he specializes in behavioral health, child and adolescent psychiatry, and addiction psychiatry. A diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Dr. Valbuena has been a practicing physician since 2003.