Gambling can be an enjoyable activity for many people, but for others, it can become a powerful addiction that can ruin their lives, destroy their relationships and adversely affect their mental health. It can even run the risk of physical danger if their addiction leads to owing large sums of money to criminals. Symptoms of problem gambling include obsession over gambling, growing desires to bet more often and with more money, restlessness and irritability when not gambling, compulsive gambling when you cannot afford to lose money, and major life disruptions stemming from gambling activities.
Not all insurance plans cover gambling addiction treatment, but some may include it under the umbrella of mental health coverage. If you’re concerned about your gambling compulsions or those of a loved one, it’s wise to look into the options.
If you have an HMO, or health maintenance organization, you are part of a managed care network of providers and facilities that contract with the HMO. You are assigned a primary care physician who manages your care and provides the bulk of your treatment, supplemented by in-network specialists when necessary. HMO compulsive gambling treatment varies considerably based on the organization and its contracts.
You may receive HMO compulsive gambling treatment coverage in a facility for the time recommended by your doctor, or your HMO may cover only a set length of treatment. Some plans may cover only outpatient treatment. Those who can control their gambling compulsions may be good candidates for outpatient treatment, but at-risk people who are unlikely to be able to avoid gambling without 24/7 help are better off with an inpatient treatment facility that will remove temptations.
If your HMO contracts with a facility that offers treatment for gambling disorders, it will be easier to receive HMO compulsive gambling treatment. If treatment centers are out of network, your HMO may pass on higher costs to you or elect not to cover treatment. Treatment centers may offer payment plans and other incentives to help people get the care they need in an affordable manner, so people with gambling addictions still have options.
And don’t count your HMO out. Medical insurance coverage can be complicated. Even if your plan doesn’t appear to provide HMO compulsive gambling treatment, or your chosen treatment plan, you may still be able to secure a quality inpatient or outpatient treatment plan through your HMO.