Using First Health Insurance for Drug & Alcohol Rehab

First Health is a national health insurance company that offers several healthcare options to members.

First Health offers plans in Florida and other southern states, and River Oaks Treatment Center in Tampa is one its in-network providers.¹

Read on to learn more about how to access your First Health benefits and what to expect when using insurance to pay for addiction treatment.

Does First Health Cover Substance Abuse Treatment?

Yes, First Health may cover rehab and other treatments for addiction.  Following the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all Marketplace health insurance plans must include coverage for mental health and substance use. These services are considered an essential benefit.²

First Health insurance plans are generally Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. That means you can choose your provider, and your out-of-pocket costs will be lower if you stay within the network.³

If you want to check out what addiction treatment First Health can cover for you, fill out . This is the first step toward getting the care you need to live a happy, healthy, substance-free life.

The process is easy. Our admissions navigators will answer any questions you have, help you navigate insurance requirements, and ensure you receive a treatment plan that’s tailored to your unique situation.

Substance Abuse Treatments Covered by First Health

There are a variety of addiction treatment options available. The services First Health covers will likely be based on your specific needs, depending on the substances you struggle with, length of use, and other factors.

Medical detox helps keep a person safe and comfortable when quitting drugs or alcohol, and is often the first phase in the long-term continuum of care. Many rehab programs use medication to ease the effects of withdrawal.⁴

After detox, patients might begin inpatient or residential treatment. During these programs, patients live onsite at the rehab facility and undergo intensive care and counseling. The goal is to help create new, healthy habits and work through co-occurring conditions.⁴

Instead of inpatient rehab, or afterward, patients may need outpatient treatment. This is where patients live at home but attend treatment for several hours several times a week. Outpatient programs help create new behaviors that support sobriety, while allowing for the flexibility to continue to work or school during treatment.⁴

How to Use First Health Insurance to Pay for Rehab

Although it can seem complicated at first, there are multiple ways to use your First Health insurance to pay for rehab.

First Health coverage is a PPO. A PPO does not have the requirements that other types of plans have, such as needing a referral from a primary care physician to see a specialist or get treatment. Instead, you simply choose a provider within the network.⁵

You may be able to get coverage out-of-network as well, but it will usually cost more. Fortunately, River Oaks is in the First Health Network. That means both Florida members and members from nearby states can select River Oaks as their provider for First Health substance abuse treatment.

With a PPO plan, you’ll likely have a deductible to meet before insurance coverage begins. Then, you’ll have a copayment or coinsurance that is your responsibility, while insurance covers the rest. These out-of-pocket costs will vary based on the type of plan you have kind of treatment you need.

But don’t let the out-of-pocket expenses stop you from seeking care. Most quality treatment centers offer different payments options to defray the cost, including financing and payment plans.

Our trained staff members are here to support you along every step of the recovery journey. Give us a call anytime at for more information or to review your insurance coverage.

The Benefits of Using First Health for Addiction Treatment

The biggest benefit of First Health substance abuse coverage is that you can choose an in-network provider without needing a referral or preauthorization. A PPO means that any provider in the First Health insurance network is available to you, presenting a wide range of options.

You don’t have to live in Florida, either. If you’re in a nearby state and have First Health coverage, you’re welcome to contact us and discuss how your insurance coverage can help you start the recovery process.

If you’re ready to move forward into a life free from addiction, we encourage you to fill out the form below. In just a few minutes, you’ll get an email from us letting you know how your insurance coverage can help get you on the path to recovery.

Choosing to move forward into sobriety is a brave step. We’re here to help you along the journey.