Using First Health Insurance for Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Florida
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- River Oaks is in-network with First Health, covering medical detox, inpatient rehab, PHP, IOP, outpatient, MAT, and virtual IOP
- First Health is a subsidiary of Aetna with PPO plans; no referral needed for addiction treatment
- ACA mandates addiction treatment as essential health benefit; Mental Health Parity Act requires equal coverage
- First Health PPO may cover out-of-state treatment; residents from nearby states can access River Oaks in Florida
- Call for free, confidential First Health benefits verification
First Health Insurance Coverage for Addiction Treatment at River Oaks
First Health is one of the nation’s largest insurance networks and a subsidiary of Aetna, operating in Florida and across the southern United States.
First Health offers PPO plans, meaning you can choose your provider without a referral. River Oaks Treatment Center in Riverview, FL (Tampa metro) is an in-network First Health provider, meaning lower out-of-pocket costs and streamlined claims processing.
This guide explains First Health coverage, PPO benefits, costs, and how to access treatment at River Oaks.
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.
What Addiction Treatment Services Are Covered?
Medical Detox: 24-hour supervised withdrawal management. Here’s more about medical detox.
Inpatient/Residential Rehab: Full-time residential treatment with daily therapy and 24/7 oversight. Learn about inpatient rehab near Tampa.
Partial Hospitalization (PHP): 6-hour sessions, 5 days weekly intensive treatment. For more on the PHP program.
Intensive Outpatient (IOP): 3+ hours, 3+ days weekly; virtual IOP also available. Learn about IOP at River Oaks.
Outpatient Treatment: Weekly therapy for ongoing support. Learn about outpatient options.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapy. Learn about MAT and methadone detox.
Telehealth/Virtual IOP: Online IOP sessions Mon-Wed 5-8 PM. Here are your telehealth options.
Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment: Integrated dual-diagnosis care for mental health + addiction. Learn about co-occurring disorders.
Quick Chart: Treatment Levels at River Oaks
| Level | Hours/Week | Setting | Best For | Duration |
| Medical Detox | 24/7 | Inpatient | Active withdrawal | 5-10 days |
| Inpatient | 24/7 | Riverview, FL campus | Moderate-severe SUD | 28-90+ days |
| PHP | 30 hrs | Outpatient | Step-down; intensive support | 3+ months |
| IOP | 9-12 hrs | In-person/virtual | Work/family obligations | 2-12 months |
| Outpatient | 1-4 hrs | Outpatient | Ongoing support | 6-12+ months |
| Virtual IOP | 9 hrs | Online (Mon-Wed 5-8 PM) | Remote/flexible access | Ongoing |
Understanding Your Out-of-Pocket Costs
Deductible: Annual amount before coverage begins.
Copayment: Fixed fee per visit.
Coinsurance: Percentage split after deductible.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum: Annual cap; then 100% coverage.
In-Network Savings: River Oaks is in-network, meaning lower costs.
River Oaks offers flexible payment options and financing.
How to Verify Your Insurance
- Call River Oaks: Call . Navigators verify coverage at no cost.
- Online Verification: Complete the secure form at riveroakstreatment.com.
- Call Member Services: Call number on your insurance card for plan details.
- Review Your SBC: Check your Summary of Benefits online.
First Health PPO Advantage: No Referral Required
Because First Health operates as a PPO, you typically do not need a referral or pre-authorization to enter drug or alcohol rehab.
You can contact River Oaks directly at to begin the admissions process right away. First Health PPO plans may also cover out-of-state treatment, giving residents of neighboring states access to River Oaks’ Tampa-area facility.
About River Oaks Treatment Center: In-Network Provider
River Oaks is a Joint Commission-accredited addiction treatment facility in Riverview, FL (Tampa metro) with 900+ years of combined clinical experience:
- Medical detox with 24/7 nursing and physician oversight
- Inpatient rehab with hotel-inspired amenities
- Specialized programs: Veterans, First Responders, LGBTQ+, Couples
- Mental Health Services center for psychiatric conditions
- Evidence-based therapies: CBT, CM, MET, family therapy, biosound
- Aftercare planning and alumni program
- MAT including methadone detox
- 90-day Brand Promise guarantee
- Joint Commission accredited, BBB rated, LegitScript certified
- PsychArmor Veteran Ready, Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber member