Substance abuse treatment denied?

The New Hampshire Insurance Department is launching an investigation into whether insurance companies are illegally denying coverage for substance abuse treatment.

State and federal laws require insurance companies to handle substance abuse treatment the same as health care for any physical ailment. 

However, some patients and advocates report that insurance companies are denying claims for substance abuse treatment, arguing that the treatment is not medically necessary.

The Insurance Department plans to issue preliminary results of the investigation in January.  Insurance companies that have illegally denied substance abuse treatment claims may be fined or expelled from New Hampshire.

Supporters argue that insurance coverage is essential for stopping the “heroin epidemic” in New Hampshire.

However, some conservatives may lament further intrusion into how private health insurance companies operate.  Forcing insurance companies to provide more and more coverage may result in higher costs for all customers.