Need substance use help?
Choose from four easy ways to reach the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline.
Affording treatment and navigating insurance
Deciding to seek substance use treatment is an important step, but it can also be stressful. Treatment is often expensive, and navigating insurance can be confusing. The following information can help make the process easier. If you need help at any time, contact 211 Wisconsin by phone, text, chat, or an online search.
Verify your coverage and level of treatment
Contact your health insurer to verify your coverage. You can find the contact information on the back of your insurance card.
Ask about your coverage and whether there is a network of preferred providers for you to use. Specifically, ask them what is covered for substance use treatment. Remember to ask open ended questions. Instead of saying, “Can I get residential treatment?”, ask questions that require a detailed response. For instance, “What kind of treatment is covered?” And, “What is my deductible, and how much do I have to pay out of pocket before my benefits start to pay?” See more questions to ask your health insurer.
Carefully review the websites of the behavioral health providers in your network to evaluate the care they offer. Look for these five signs of quality treatment from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
