If cost or coverage is the thing holding you back from getting help, you’re not alone — and you may have more coverage than you think. Real Recovery Centers is in-network with most major insurance plans in Massachusetts, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and UMR.
Our admissions team handles insurance verification for you, at no cost and with complete confidentiality. Call us at (978) 788-1870 or verify your benefits online in minutes.
Does insurance cover addiction treatment?
Yes. Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, insurance plans are required to cover substance use disorder treatment at the same level as other medical conditions. Most plans in Massachusetts cover outpatient rehab programs including PHP, IOP, and standard outpatient, the levels of care we offer at Real Recovery Centers.
What your plan covers specifically depends on your benefits tier, deductible, and whether the facility is in-network. That’s exactly why our team verifies your benefits before you commit to anything.
Insurance plans accepted at Real Recovery Centers
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) / Anthem Blue Cross
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is the state’s largest insurer, and most BCBS plans, including Anthem Blue Cross, cover outpatient addiction treatment. This typically includes our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Day Treatment Program, and standard outpatient services.
If you have a BCBS or Anthem plan through an employer, MassHealth, or the Health Connector, contact our admissions team and we’ll confirm exactly what your plan covers before your first appointment.
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care is a Massachusetts-based insurer with strong behavioral health benefits. Most Harvard Pilgrim plans cover outpatient substance use disorder treatment, including dual diagnosis programs that address both addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
Our team works directly with Harvard Pilgrim to verify your in-network benefits and walk you through any prior authorization requirements.
Aetna
Aetna covers a range of substance use disorder treatment levels, including intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization. Coverage varies by plan, but Aetna’s behavioral health benefits typically include individual therapy, group counseling, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and dual diagnosis care.
We’ll verify your Aetna benefits at no charge so you know your out-of-pocket costs before starting treatment.
Cigna
Cigna is commonly offered through Massachusetts employers in Middlesex County and the Merrimack Valley. Most Cigna plans cover outpatient addiction treatment, including PHP and IOP programs. Cigna’s behavioral health coverage often extends to co-occurring disorder treatment, which is a core part of what we do at Real Recovery Centers.
Call our admissions line or submit your insurance information online and we’ll confirm your Cigna benefits same-day.
United Healthcare (UHC)
United Healthcare plans, including Optum behavioral health benefits, typically cover outpatient drug and alcohol rehab. UHC coverage for addiction treatment usually includes PHP, IOP, and outpatient programs, along with MAT and relapse prevention services.
Our team has experience working with UHC’s prior authorization process and will handle it on your behalf.
UMR
UMR is a self-funded plan administrator operating under United Healthcare. Many UMR plans include behavioral health benefits that cover outpatient substance use disorder treatment. Because UMR plans are employer-specific, coverage levels vary, our admissions team will verify your specific plan and explain what’s included before you begin.
Other insurance & out-of-pocket options
Don’t see your plan listed? We work with additional insurance providers not listed here and accept many other commercial plans. Contact our admissions team directly at (978) 788-1870, we’ll check your benefits on the spot.
If you’re uninsured or underinsured, we can discuss alternative payment options and help connect you with state resources through MassHealth and the Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS).
What does insurance typically cover at Real Recovery Centers?
Most in-network insurance plans cover some or all of the following programs at our Chelmsford facility:
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Our most intensive outpatient level of care, structured day treatment 5 to 6 days per week. PHP is often covered at the same rate as inpatient care for plans that follow parity guidelines.
A step down from PHP, our half-day treatment program meets 3 to 5 days per week. IOP is widely covered by commercial insurance and is designed to fit around work and family commitments.
Our standard outpatient level provides 1 to 2 sessions per week for individuals maintaining early recovery. Most insurance plans cover outpatient counseling and continuing care.
Integrated treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Behavioral health parity laws require most plans to cover dual diagnosis care at the same level as other medical services.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
FDA-approved medications combined with counseling for opioid and alcohol use disorders. MAT is covered by the majority of commercial insurance plans and MassHealth.
Telehealth-based PHP and IOP for individuals who need flexibility. Most major insurers now cover virtual outpatient addiction treatment under the same benefits as in-person care.
How to verify your insurance benefits
Getting a straight answer on your coverage takes less time than most people expect. Here’s how it works:
- Call us or submit your info online. Reach our admissions team at (978) 788-1870 or complete the insurance verification form. We’ll need your insurance card and member ID.
- We contact your insurer directly. Our team calls your insurance provider and confirms your in-network benefits, deductible status, copay or coinsurance amounts, and any prior authorization requirements.
- We explain what you’ll owe. We walk you through exactly what your plan covers and what, if anything, you’d be responsible for — before you make any decisions.
- You start treatment. Once benefits are confirmed, we can typically begin the admissions process the same day. Contact our team to get started.
There’s no obligation, no cost for the verification, and everything is completely confidential.
Frequently asked questions about insurance and rehab in Massachusetts
Will my insurance company know I went to rehab?
Your insurance company will receive a claim for services, but they are legally required to keep your health information private under HIPAA. Your employer does not have access to your claims data. We take confidentiality seriously and are happy to answer any questions you have about privacy before you begin treatment.
Do I need a referral to start treatment at Real Recovery Centers?
Most insurance plans do not require a referral for outpatient addiction treatment. Some plans require prior authorization, which our admissions team handles on your behalf. Call us and we’ll clarify what your specific plan requires.
What if my insurance only covers part of the cost?
We’ll tell you exactly what your out-of-pocket costs are before you commit to anything. If there’s a gap in coverage, our team can discuss payment arrangements and connect you with any available financial assistance resources.
Does insurance cover dual diagnosis treatment?
Yes. Under behavioral health parity laws, most plans must cover co-occurring disorder treatment at the same level as treatment for physical health conditions. If you’re dealing with both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition — such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder — your plan very likely covers integrated dual diagnosis care.
What if I have MassHealth or no insurance?Real Recovery Centers is BSAS-licensed, and we work with individuals navigating MassHealth coverage. If you have limited or no insurance, our admissions team can help connect you with state-funded options and walk you through what’s available. Contact us and we’ll figure it out together.