Healthfirst Addiction Treatment Coverage on Long Island
Healthfirst is New York's largest non-profit health insurer and one of the most widely accepted Medicaid plans for addiction treatment on Long Island. Most services are covered with $0 out-of-pocket cost.
$0
Out-of-Pocket Cost
For Medicaid members
No Prior Auth
For Outpatient
IOP & PHP services
100%
MAT Coverage
Suboxone, Vivitrol, Sublocade
Same-Day
Intake Available
At participating facilities
What Healthfirst Covers for Addiction Treatment
Healthfirst Medicaid managed care provides comprehensive coverage for substance use disorder treatment at OASAS-certified facilities throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and New York State law, addiction treatment must be covered at the same level as medical and surgical benefits.
Covered MAT Medications
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is considered the gold standard for opioid and alcohol use disorders. Healthfirst covers all FDA-approved MAT medications:
Suboxone
Buprenorphine/Naloxone
Use: Opioid dependence
Form: Film / Tablet
Sublocade
Extended-release buprenorphine
Use: Opioid dependence
Form: Monthly injection
Vivitrol
Extended-release naltrexone
Use: Opioid & alcohol
Form: Monthly injection
Brixadi
Buprenorphine ER injection
Use: Opioid dependence
Form: Weekly/Monthly injection
Healthfirst Plans Accepted for Rehab
Healthfirst Medicaid Managed Care
Full addiction treatment coverage with $0 copay. Most commonly used plan for substance abuse treatment. Accepted at all OASAS-certified facilities on Long Island.
Healthfirst Essential Plan
Low-cost coverage for New Yorkers who don't qualify for Medicaid. Addiction treatment covered with minimal copays ($0–$20 depending on plan level).
Healthfirst Child Health Plus
Coverage for children and adolescents under 19. Includes substance abuse counseling and behavioral health services.
Healthfirst Medicare Advantage
For adults 65+ or those with disabilities. Covers medically necessary addiction treatment including detox, rehab, and MAT.
How to Verify Your Healthfirst Benefits
Locate your Healthfirst member ID
Find your member ID number on your Healthfirst insurance card. You'll need this when calling to verify benefits.
Call Healthfirst Member Services
Call 1-866-463-6743 to verify your behavioral health and substance abuse benefits. Ask about covered services, prior authorization requirements, and in-network providers on Long Island.
Or call us for free verification
Our team can verify your Healthfirst benefits for free and help you find an appropriate treatment center. We check your specific plan details, coverage levels, and available facilities.
Begin treatment
Once benefits are verified, you can begin treatment — often the same day. OASAS-certified facilities handle the intake and authorization process on your behalf.
Where Healthfirst Is Accepted on Long Island
Healthfirst is accepted at OASAS-certified addiction treatment facilities throughout Long Island:
Nassau County
- • Detox & residential programs
- • Outpatient clinics (IOP/PHP)
- • MAT providers & clinics
- • Community health centers
Suffolk County
- • Hospital-based detox units
- • Residential rehabilitation
- • Outpatient treatment programs
- • Sober living residences
Your Parity Rights Under New York Law
Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and Timothy's Law (New York State), Healthfirst cannot impose more restrictive limitations on substance use disorder treatment than on medical/surgical benefits. This means:
- No separate, lower annual or lifetime dollar limits for addiction treatment
- Co-pays and deductibles cannot be higher than comparable medical benefits
- Prior authorization requirements must be no more restrictive than for medical care
- Day and visit limits must be comparable to medical/surgical limits
If you believe Healthfirst has improperly denied addiction treatment coverage, you can file a complaint with the New York Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736.
Healthfirst vs. Other Medicaid Plans for Rehab
| Feature | Healthfirst | Fidelis Care | UHC Community |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copay for Rehab | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Detox Coverage | ✓ Full | ✓ Full | ✓ Full |
| Inpatient Rehab | ✓ Full | ✓ Full | ✓ Full |
| IOP/PHP | ✓ No prior auth | ✓ No prior auth | ✓ No prior auth |
| MAT (Suboxone/Vivitrol) | ✓ Full | ✓ Full | ✓ Full |
| LI Network Size | Large | Large | Moderate |
| NYC/LI Combined | Largest | Large | Large |
All three plans provide equivalent coverage for core addiction treatment. The primary differences are network size and member services. Compare Fidelis Care → | Compare UHC Community Plan →
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthfirst Rehab Coverage
Related Insurance Guides
Verify Your Healthfirst Benefits — Free & Confidential
Our team can verify your Healthfirst coverage and connect you with an appropriate treatment center on Long Island. The call is free, confidential, and takes about 5 minutes.
Call 631-762-3763Available 24/7 — No obligation
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Coverage details may vary by specific Healthfirst plan. Always verify your individual benefits with Healthfirst Member Services (1-866-463-6743) before beginning treatment. Information is current as of March 2026.