UnitedHealthcare Addiction Treatment Coverage on Long Island
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is the largest health insurer in the United States with over 49 million members. Many UHC plans include substance-use treatment benefits at OASAS-certified facilities throughout Long Island, managed through Optum Behavioral Health.
49M+
Members Nationwide
Largest US insurer
1.3M+
Network Providers
Largest provider network
100%
MAT Coverage
Suboxone, Vivitrol, Sublocade
24/7
Nurse Line
Behavioral health support
What UnitedHealthcare Covers for Addiction Treatment
Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), UHC must cover substance use disorder treatment at parity with medical/surgical benefits. Coverage includes all levels of care at in-network OASAS-certified facilities:
Covered MAT Medications
UnitedHealthcare covers all FDA-approved medications for opioid and alcohol use disorders. Some injectable medications may require prior authorization:
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
UHC Plans Accepted for Rehab
UHC Choice Plus PPO
Most flexible plan with both in-network and out-of-network benefits. Lower cost-sharing at in-network facilities. Popular with employer-sponsored groups on Long Island.
UHC Navigate (EPO/HMO)
In-network only plan with lower premiums. Covers all levels of addiction treatment at in-network OASAS-certified facilities. No out-of-network coverage except emergencies.
UHC Community Plan (Medicaid)
UHC's Medicaid managed care product. $0 copay for addiction treatment at OASAS-certified facilities. Covers detox through aftercare with no out-of-pocket costs.
UHC Medicare Advantage
For adults 65+ or those with qualifying disabilities. Covers medically necessary addiction treatment including detox, residential rehab, outpatient, and MAT.
Prior Authorization Requirements
| Level of Care | In-Network | Out-of-Network (PPO) |
|---|---|---|
| Outpatient Counseling | No prior auth required | No prior auth required |
| Intensive Outpatient (IOP) | No prior auth required | Prior auth required |
| Partial Hospitalization (PHP) | Prior auth required | Prior auth required |
| Inpatient Detox | Prior auth required | Prior auth required |
| Residential Treatment | Prior auth required | Prior auth required |
| MAT (Suboxone/Vivitrol) | Varies by medication | Prior auth required |
How to Verify Your UHC Benefits
Locate your UHC member ID
Find your member ID number on your UnitedHealthcare insurance card. You'll need this along with your group number when calling to verify benefits.
Call UHC Member Services
Call 1-800-444-9137 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 UHC benefits for free and help you find an appropriate in-network 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 for outpatient or within 24–48 hours for inpatient. The facility handles prior authorization on your behalf.
Where UHC Is Accepted on Long Island
Nassau County
- • Detox & residential programs
- • Outpatient clinics (IOP/PHP)
- • MAT providers & clinics
- • Optum behavioral health network
Suffolk County
- • Hospital-based detox units
- • Residential rehabilitation
- • Outpatient treatment programs
- • Sober living residences
Your Parity Rights Under Federal & NY Law
Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and Timothy's Law (New York State), UnitedHealthcare cannot impose more restrictive limitations on substance use disorder treatment than on medical/surgical benefits:
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions About UHC Rehab Coverage
Related Insurance Guides
Verify Your UHC Benefits — Free & Confidential
Our team can verify your UnitedHealthcare coverage and connect you with an appropriate in-network treatment center on Long Island. The call is free, confidential, and takes about 5 minutes.
Call 844-338-6969Available 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 UHC plan. Always verify your individual benefits with UHC Member Services (1-800-444-9137) before beginning treatment. Information is current as of March 2026.