While it might not sound as worrisome as drug abuse or compulsive gambling, video game addiction is a dangerous condition that needs to be treated seriously. Left untreated, it can have negative financial and even physical consequences. It may also be a sign of other underlying mental health issues.
Someone dealing with this issue may end up missing school or work, let personal relationships wither, or suffer from declining quality of life. That’s why it’s important to seek help early.
Aetna Video Game Addiction Coverage
Video game addiction is compulsive behavior — and that’s one of the most important criterion for a diagnosis of addiction. Therefore Aetna will cover, fully or in part, services required to treat the condition.
The type of treatment you need, and the duration of such treatment, will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of the problem.
Which Services Does Aetna Video Game Addiction Coverage Offer?
If you’re suffering from an untreated compulsion to play video games, there are several treatment paths you may follow. These include:
- An inpatient rehab facility
- Outpatient visits to a medical center
- Group or individual counseling
- A luxury treatment facility
The type of treatment required is generally tied to the nature of the problem. For someone with severe video game addiction issues — or other underlying mental health issues — an inpatient stay may be needed. Someone with a less profound problem may only require counseling or outpatient sessions.
How Much Will Aetna Video Game Addiction Coverage Pay For?
This varies from person to person, so it’s vital to consult your specific policy. Aetna may only cover a percentage of total costs, so more expensive options such as inpatient care may cost more out of pocket. Other policies pay a set amount of money, with the policyholder responsible for any costs accrued after the limit. This means it’s important to verify the type of coverage you possess before seeking treatment.
Aetna is also somewhat flexible with regard to luxury or executive treatment, although those options aren’t usually associated with video game addiction.
How Long Does Aetna Video Game Addiction Coverage Last?
Treatment lengths are variable. There is no single therapeutic timeline for video game addiction treatment, as each case is highly individual. Typically, however, short-term treatment may last a few months.
Policyholders may always choose to self-pay for additional services not covered in whole by Aetna.
Because of its reputation as a pastime for children and teenagers, video game addiction doesn’t always receive the serious recognition it deserves. Yet if left untreated it can have profoundly negative effects on your health and life.
If you or a loved one is dealing with this issue, please visit Aetna’s website for more coverage information.