In the last few years, coverage of changing health and mental health policies nationwide has continued to capture headlines. More than 43 states have drafted and passed legislation that requires an insurer's health insurance plan offerings to offer addiction coverage as a standard health insurance policy benefit for policy holders. However, since federal mental health coverage policies leave it up to the states to enforce their own state policies, and many insurance carriers are still all too willing to deny care everything is not in order, it is very important that the policy holder is completely familiar with their own health care policy. They should be able to go to bat for themselves or a loved one who needs the care that is provided for under that state's legislation and the insurance policy itself.

When seeking a new health insurance plan that includes addiction coverage, knowing the policy towards providing addiction coverage of the prospective insured's state of residence can go a long way towards deciphering any difficulty encountered when searching for this benefit. It is very important to go beyond a simple internet search and thoroughly research the benefits handbook, ask questions that relate specifically to the types of coverage that are needed, and make sure there is a thorough understanding in place of how benefits disbursement works, including any waiting periods, restrictions, limitations, or codicils for pre existing conditions that may factor in to the usability of a health insurance plan purchased in part for its addiction coverage benefits.

If there is an existing health care plan in place, it is also important to check into the fine points of that plan to see if addiction coverage is already offered. For employees seeking addiction coverage, it is helpful to check and see if there is an employer sponsored plan that may serve their needs. Also, for those who need access to addiction coverage and are struggling to find the appropriate plan, asking addiction treatment facilities for referrals to health care providers is always a good way to ensure the ability to identify with a health care provider who provides this benefit.

Additionally, contacting the state department of health services and asking for recommendations for insurance providers who offer excellent addiction care benefits is a great way to find a referral to a new provider who may be able to meet the insured's needs for addiction treatment services. The important thing when it comes to finding ways to access addiction coverage under a health insurance plan is to not give up. With the new mental health legislation there are more avenues than ever before to obtain care for addiction treatment.