Tricare & VA Benefits for Addiction Treatment
Keystone Health Group honors the service of active duty members, veterans, and their families. We work with Tricare plans and can help veterans understand their VA options.
We honor your service. Keystone Health Group is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for active duty service members, veterans, and military families. Our clinical team understands the unique challenges that military service can create, including combat-related trauma, PTSD, and the transition to civilian life.
Does Tricare Cover Addiction Treatment?
Tricare is the health insurance program for active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, and their dependents. All Tricare plans include behavioral health benefits that cover substance use disorder treatment, including medically supervised detox, inpatient rehab, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient counseling.
Veterans who are eligible for VA healthcare may also access addiction treatment through the VA system. Our admissions team can help you understand both your Tricare and VA options and determine the best path forward for your situation.
What Levels of Care Does Tricare Typically Cover?
Tricare Plan Comparison
| Plan | Who It Covers | Referral Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Tricare Prime | Active duty, retirees, dependents | Yes — from PCM for non-emergency |
| Tricare Select | Active duty, retirees, dependents | No — but prior auth required for inpatient |
| Tricare for Life | Medicare-eligible retirees & dependents | No — Medicare pays first, Tricare second |
| Tricare Reserve Select | National Guard / Reserve members | Varies by service type |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tricare cover addiction treatment?
Yes. Tricare covers substance use disorder treatment for active duty service members, veterans, and their dependents. Coverage includes medically supervised detox, inpatient rehab, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient counseling. Tricare Prime, Tricare Select, and Tricare for Life all include behavioral health benefits.
What Tricare plans does Keystone Health Group accept?
We work with Tricare Prime, Tricare Select, and Tricare for Life. Coverage details vary by plan and whether Keystone Health Group is in your Tricare network. Our admissions team will verify your specific benefits and network status before your arrival.
Does Tricare require a referral for addiction treatment?
Tricare Prime typically requires a referral from your Primary Care Manager (PCM) for non-emergency inpatient treatment. Tricare Select generally does not require a referral for out-of-network care, but prior authorization is still required for inpatient and residential treatment. Our admissions team will guide you through the referral and authorization process.
Can veterans use VA benefits for addiction treatment?
Yes. Veterans who are eligible for VA healthcare can receive addiction treatment through the VA system. The VA provides a full continuum of substance use disorder treatment, including detox, residential rehab (through the VA's Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs), and outpatient services. If you are a veteran interested in treatment at Keystone Health Group, our admissions team can help you understand your VA and Tricare options.
Does Tricare cover dual-diagnosis treatment?
Yes. Tricare covers integrated treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. This is particularly relevant for veterans and active duty service members, who have elevated rates of PTSD, depression, and anxiety alongside substance use disorders.
What is the difference between Tricare and VA benefits?
Tricare is the health insurance program for active duty service members, National Guard/Reserve members, retirees, and their families. VA healthcare is a separate system available to eligible veterans through VA medical centers and clinics. Some veterans may be eligible for both. Our admissions team can help clarify which benefits apply to your situation.
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