There’s never been a more pivotal time to be engaged in health and wellness. With the government shutdown behind us and a renewed national focus on health care reform, we at Breathe Life Healing Centers are energized by the opportunity the Affordable Care Act (ACA) brings to individuals and families seeking recovery.
For years, access to our life-changing treatment programs was limited for those without private insurance. But now, things are changing. The ACA is breaking down barriers, expanding coverage, and making comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment more accessible than ever.
“The Affordable Care Act opens the door for hundreds if not thousands of new clients to get the care they need,” says Deb Hughes, CEO of Breathe Life.
Insurance-Based Admission: What You Need to Know
At Breathe Life, admission continues to be based on insurance coverage. The critical change now is that more people have insurance that covers behavioral health care, thanks to the ACA’s expanded marketplace and subsidies.
However, not all plans are created equal when it comes to accessing our services. Here’s how it works:
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Eligible Insurance Plans: Breathe Life accepts PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans. These plans allow patients greater flexibility in choosing their providers—without the need for referrals or strict network restrictions.
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Ineligible Plans: We are unable to accept HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans, which often limit a patient’s options and require referrals for specialty care.
When shopping for coverage on the health insurance exchange, it’s vital to understand your choices. Whether you select a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum tier plan, what matters most for Breathe Life admission is that it’s a PPO plan.
“What’s important is that people understand their options,” Hughes emphasizes. “They need to know the difference between HMO and PPO plans so they can choose the path that gives them the freedom to access the treatment they want.”
The Power of Choice in Recovery
One of the core values of the ACA is patient empowerment. For those battling addiction, eating disorders, or other behavioral health challenges, the ability to choose where and how to get treatment can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes.
“People need freedom in their health care to go where they want for treatment,” says Hughes. “The ACA gives people that freedom.”
With greater access to PPO plans and mandatory mental health and substance use disorder coverage under the ACA, individuals can now take a more active role in their recovery journey, selecting programs that align with their personal needs and values.
Mandatory Benefits for Addiction Treatment
One of the most transformative aspects of the Affordable Care Act is that it requires all marketplace insurance plans to include coverage for mental health and substance use disorder services. These benefits are now considered “essential health benefits,” meaning insurance providers must offer them.
This is a dramatic shift from the past, when behavioral health services were often excluded or under-covered, leaving many individuals unable to access necessary treatment.
“This is a game-changer,” says Hughes. “The inclusion of mandatory drug and alcohol treatment benefits means more people will seek help who may have never had the chance before.”
Expanding Our Mission to Heal
At Breathe Life Healing Centers, we’ve long been committed to delivering trauma-informed, evidence based treatment for addiction, eating disorders, and co-occurring mental health challenges. Now, with expanded insurance access through the ACA, we can extend that mission to even more people in need.
We are excited to welcome a broader community into our care offering healing, hope, and empowerment to individuals and families who deserve quality treatment and the ability to choose their path to wellness.
If you’re exploring your insurance options and want to ensure coverage at Breathe Life, we’re here to help. Reach out to our admissions team for support navigating your insurance and confirming your eligibility.
Contact Admissions Today!
Contact us today and let’s talk about your coverage options and how we can support your recovery journey.
