Ask The Expert: Does Medicare Cover Addiction Treatment In A Free-Standing Facility?

Recently I was asked what sounds like a very easy question: Does Medicare cover alcohol and drug treatment at a free-standing substance abuse treatment facility? And, the easy answer is “yes” if the clinic is a Medicare-participating facility and the customary processes are followed with regards to insurance verification and eligibility. However, many chemical health free-standing facilities are not Medicare-participating for a variety of reasons. Understanding Medicare’s general policies to substance abuse (SA) treatment in a free-standing facility will help you understand reimbursement eligibility, and address the question of current and future safety-net . . .