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If you’re a union member struggling with addiction, you may be wondering whether your union benefits will help cover the cost of rehabilitation treatment. The good news is that most labor unions do provide comprehensive coverage for substance abuse treatment, often with better benefits than standard health insurance plans. Here’s what you need to know about accessing addiction treatment through your union.
Labor unions often support addiction rehab because they know that treatment can help employees to be more productive, which benefits employers. Unions recognize that addiction is a medical condition that requires professional treatment, and they would prefer that workers get the help they need and return to work rather than losing employees to addiction.
Many unions have union-negotiated healthcare plans that offer better-quality mental health and addiction services. These plans typically provide:
Union-negotiated health insurance plans often provide superior coverage compared to standard employer plans. Most labor unions offer their members health insurance coverage that typically includes a higher percentage of coverage for addiction treatment and a longer approved time period for it.
Union health benefits commonly include coverage for:
Detoxification Services Medical detox is often fully covered since detoxing from substances like alcohol and opioids can be dangerous and requires medical supervision.
Inpatient Treatment Residential treatment programs, including 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day programs, are typically covered with union benefits providing extended stay approvals when medically necessary.
Outpatient Programs
Mental Health Services Since many people with addiction also have co-occurring mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, union plans typically cover comprehensive behavioral health services.
One of the biggest advantages of being a union member seeking addiction treatment is job protection. Labor and employment laws are in place to allow you to seek treatment from drug rehabilitation when necessary.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) As a worker, you’re entitled to the FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) and can take up to 12 weeks off of unpaid leave with job protection.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Covered under the ADA is employment discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities is prohibited, as well as retaliation by an employer for asserting your ADA rights.
Union Advocacy Your union will advocate for you by communicating your need for treatment to your employer and coordinating your return to work, giving you confidence in job security while you focus on recovery.
Many unions also provide Employee Assistance Programs that offer additional support for addiction issues. EAPs address a broad and complex body of issues affecting mental and/or substance use disorders.
Common substances that require professional treatment include:
For comprehensive addiction treatment, you’ll likely need to use your union health insurance benefits in addition to EAP services.
Reach out to your union representative or benefits coordinator to understand your specific coverage. They can help you:
Before starting treatment, verify your benefits to understand:
Union workers should seek a rehab center that offers individualized treatment plans and takes unique needs into consideration. The best treatment facilities are transparent about their policies and are accredited by professional bodies.
When choosing a treatment center, consider programs that offer:
Most union health plans follow standard insurance practices for addiction treatment coverage:
Medical Necessity Insurance coverage for addiction treatment isn’t automatic – it hinges on the care being deemed medically necessary. Treatment centers will conduct assessments to determine the appropriate level of care.
Prior Authorization Some services may require prior authorization from your insurance company. Your treatment center’s admissions team can help with this process.
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Using in-network providers will significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Many treatment centers have contracts with major union health plans.
While union benefits are generally comprehensive, there are some potential issues to watch for:
Some treatment centers may take advantage of union members because union benefits tend to offer generous coverage. Treatment center operators and middlemen who act as brokers for those facilities are targeting these workers because they usually have generous insurance benefits that pay for long stays in rehab.
Different unions may have varying levels of coverage. For example:
Massachusetts Laborers’ Union The Massachusetts Laborers’ union may be able to cover all or at least part of the cost of rehab. This will depend on your plan details and the level of care you need.
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) The Recovery Village partnered with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) union to design the IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery.
If you’re a union member struggling with addiction, don’t let concerns about coverage prevent you from getting help. Remember, the sooner an employee comes to their union for help, the more likely they will be able to prevent their condition from worsening.
Labor unions understand that addiction poses a severe detriment to a person’s mental and physical health, quality of life, and, of course, their ability to be a reliable, consistent, and safe worker. By supporting their members’ recovery, unions help maintain a healthy, productive workforce while showing genuine care for their members’ wellbeing.
If you need help understanding your benefits or finding treatment:
You can also take our confidential addiction assessment quizzes to better understand your situation and treatment needs.
No, your job should not be at risk when you seek addiction treatment. As a union member, you have multiple layers of protection:
The truth is, your addiction will only continue to make situations worse in your personal and work life until you seek treatment. By getting help now, you could actually be saving your job in the long run.
Costs vary depending on your specific union plan and the level of treatment needed. However, union-negotiated health plans typically offer:
Contact your union benefits coordinator to understand your specific coverage levels and any associated costs.
No, you do not need your employer’s permission to seek addiction treatment. However, you will need to follow proper procedures for taking medical leave:
Your addiction treatment is confidential medical information. Neither your employer nor your coworkers should know the specific details of your treatment unless you choose to share them. Your union representative can help ensure your privacy is protected throughout the process.
Under the ADA, employers cannot fire, refuse to hire, or refuse to promote employees merely because they are enrolled in a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program. However, employers can take action if:
The key is getting help before performance issues lead to disciplinary action.
Many unions have specific policies to help members who are struggling with addiction-related work issues. Your union may be able to:
The sooner you seek help, the more options your union will have to support you.
The length of your leave will depend on:
Some people may only need a few weeks for intensive outpatient treatment, while others may require 30-90 days for residential programs. Your union can help you understand your options and rights.
Your union will help coordinate your return to work, which may include:
Many unions also support recovery-friendly workplace policies that help maintain sobriety after treatment.
Most union health plans extend coverage to spouses and dependents. This means:
Check with your union benefits coordinator to understand your family coverage options.
Even if your union’s health plan has limited addiction benefits, you still have options:
Your union representative can help you explore all available resources and advocate for better benefits in future contract negotiations.
Addiction doesn’t have to end your career or destroy your life. Your union membership provides you with valuable protections and benefits that can help you access the treatment you need. The combination of comprehensive health coverage, job protection, and union advocacy creates a supportive environment for recovery.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward recovery, contact Create Recovery Center today at (866) 516-6087. Our admissions team can help verify your union benefits and guide you through the process of getting the help you deserve. We offer comprehensive outpatient treatment programs in Los Angeles and work with most major insurance plans, including union-negotiated health benefits.
Learn more about our addiction treatment programs and how we can help you on your path to recovery. Recovery is possible, and your union is there to support you every step of the way.
Create Recovery Center is a boutique outpatient treatment program in Los Angeles, specializing in mental health, dual-diagnosis, and substance abuse addiction treatment. We work with most major insurance plans, including union-negotiated health benefits, to make treatment accessible and affordable for our clients. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and verify your insurance coverage.
is a boutique outpatient treatment program catering to mental health, dual-diagnosis and substance abuse addiction.
