Many online Suboxone providers accept Medicaid to make their services more accessible. At Groups, Suboxone is part of our comprehensive approach to opioid use disorder (OUD) recovery.
Telehealth treatment through Groups is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicaid. At Groups, about 70% of our members are on Medicaid. Our telehealth option is available in the 14 states where we have Groups locations. We’re always expanding, too. If there isn’t a Groups location in your state, try your state’s Medicaid provider directory or an OUD treatment locator.
Finding the right provider may be easier than you think. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of finding an online Suboxone provider with your Medicaid insurance.
Step-by-step guide to finding Medicaid-friendly online Suboxone providers
The first thing to do is learn about your insurance coverage and find providers that will accept it. As you research your options, you’ll start to see what different programs are like. Note what looks good to you. List your top priorities and any needs that may affect your treatment experience. Once you have your top choices narrowed down, you can call them to ask questions and get started.
If your Medicaid application is still in progress, you may be wondering what options are available in the meantime. There may be an emergency benefit available to cover your immediate needs. Once you’re approved, retroactive coverage may apply to the treatment you’ve received. As a last resort, self-pay options are also available. Treatment at Groups is $65 per week at our New England locations or $75 per week in all other states.
Take the following steps to find online Suboxone providers that accept Medicaid:
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Understand your coverage and how to make the most of it
Your Medicaid insurance provider should have resources to help you understand your addiction treatment benefits. Take a look at your insurance card and see if there’s a website, an app, or a phone number listed.
Try to find out what providers are in-network and whether other services like counseling are covered. Some states include case management or transportation services. The coverage period and the number of appointments may affect your treatment.
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Search directories for providers in your state
Along with your state’s Medicaid provider directory, check out our Groups location page to see if there’s a clinic in your state. You may also try treatment locators such as findtreatment.gov or SAMHSA’s buprenorphine treatment locator.
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Try specific search terms
Within these directories or on Google, you can try different search terms. Start with “online addiction treatment” or “buprenorphine providers.” If you’re having trouble finding “online” providers, try the terms “virtual” or “telehealth.” Remember to filter your results by your insurance plan whenever possible.
Here are some other search terms to try:
- Medicaid Suboxone telehealth near me
- Online buprenorphine clinic accepting Medicaid
- Virtual addiction treatment [your state] Medicaid
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Learn about programs and narrow down your top choices
The best Suboxone provider for you will depend on your needs, preferences, and recovery goals. It’s OK if you’re not sure exactly what those are right now.
“Green flags” that are signs of quality care include a personalized treatment approach and care that goes beyond prescriptions. Look for organizations that have licensed counselors and qualified Suboxone prescribers on staff.
“Red flags” to avoid include up-front payments, even when they say they accept Medicaid, or refusal to verify your insurance coverage. Be cautious of providers that offer “instant prescriptions” without a thorough evaluation. You can also check for concerning reviews from former members.
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Call your top choices to find the best fit
When you’ve narrowed down your top choices, it’s time to call them and learn more about their processes. Make sure you have your insurance card ready. Ask about any other fees or costs you may need to prepare for, such as prescription copays. In most cases, 100% of treatment costs should be covered.
Here are some questions to help you prepare for these conversations:
- Do you accept my specific Medicaid plan?
- How quickly can I start treatment?
- What does my Medicaid plan cover for your services?
- Do you handle prior authorization if needed?
- What types of licenses and credentials do your providers have?
- What ongoing support is included in treatment?
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Prepare for your first appointment
Your first virtual appointment should serve as a detailed intake and orientation. Be prepared to answer questions about your opioid use and your medical history.
You’ll discuss treatment goals and expectations. You’ll have some time to ask other questions you have about the program.
During a Groups welcome appointment, you’ll speak with both a licensed counselor and a Suboxone prescriber. Your prescription will be sent to your pharmacy, and you’ll make a follow-up appointment.
You’ll also receive details about your first support group session. If you need help with phone or internet access or a device with a camera and microphone, our team of Recovery Support Specialists can help.
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Define your recovery goals and stick to your treatment plan
You may identify some recovery goals during your first appointment. You may add to them or change them over time. Refilling your Suboxone prescription and sticking to your medication schedule will be critical to your success.
You’ll be required to provide urine samples once a week while you’re in treatment, though it may taper over time. This isn’t to shame you for using again, but to help your providers understand where you are in your recovery.
Get help covering your virtual treatment at Groups with Medicaid
You can get started with quality online Suboxone treatment if you qualify for Medicaid. Federal requirements ensure addiction treatment coverage. Online programs at Groups are designed to serve diverse patient populations. The cost of your Suboxone prescription is covered by Medicaid insurance. Group counseling sessions and check-ins are also covered.
Don’t let insurance concerns delay your treatment. If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, call us anyway. We can help you explore other ways to get your treatment covered or reduce your overall cost. Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today for more information or to begin your recovery.
We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your area, find other treatment options here
