People from every walk of life are susceptible to falling victim to drugs and alcohol. For those working in the public space, seeking help for themselves and for loved ones can seem expensive and unrealistic, and oftentimes they will shy away from getting the treatment needed to recover and live a productive and happy life. Fortunately, New York offers health insurance for NYS employees with the help of NYSHIP. If you or a loved one is or has had issues with substance abuse, please know that there are options available that can have a large portion of treatment covered under the right insurance program.
What is NYSHIP?
NYSHIP is an acronym for the New York State Health Insurance Program. This is a health insurance program offered by New York State employers, and designated for public employees living in New York. This includes teachers, other government employees, and their family members that meet the eligibility requirements for coverage.
NYSHIP’s Empire Plan can be combined with Medicare as a secondary coverage, for those who qualify or are already enrolled and receiving Medicare coverage. More information on this can be found directly on New York State’s government website.
The Empire Plan and approved HMOs make up NYSHIP, cover over 1.2 million employees, and is among the biggest employer-sponsored programs in the US. Those with coverage will only pay a copay for services like doctor and hospital visits, filling and refilling of prescriptions, and other medical expenses like rehab for loved ones. This can be especially helpful for those seeking coverage benefits for inpatient or outpatient rehab, and various forms of detox.
Benefits of Detox
Going through a detox of any type can be a testy process that will put the body through stress and strain, but with great resolve. Detoxification will pull all the harmful substances and chemicals out of the body, and this can have incredible benefits. Some of these benefits can include:
- Improved sleep
- Increased energy levels
- Better mood regulation
- Stable appetite
- Clearer skin
In addition to these, the liver can cleanse itself of all the harsh substances it has been forced to process, allowing it to function at a more optimal level. For those struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, detoxing opens an opportunity to rid the body of the chemical dependence it has built up, and begin to regulate at a healthier norm. We have more great information on detox treatment throughout our site.
Benefits of Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient treatment is a great option for those seeking more intensive, around the clock recovery care. Getting off drugs or alcohol is no easy task, and having a community and well-trained staff in a setting that promotes recovery can work wonders. One of the major benefits of going through with inpatient rehab is the fact there are no substances around, meaning there are no opportunities for relapse. For parents, this is a stress-free experience, as there is continued supervision while providing a sense of independence along the journey to sobriety. If you are exploring options for rehab in New York City, inpatient rehab is definitely something to consider.
Benefits of Outpatient Rehab
Differing from inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab does not require the patient to stay within the confines of the treatment center. This can sometimes be a better fit for individuals, as it allows more flexibility with schedules and the treatment approach. Outpatient rehab also provides a more real-world aspect to recovery, making the transitions between treatment and normal life feel more seamless to the patient, such as getting off work and going home instead of a bar during alcoholism treatment.
Benefits of Dual Diagnosis
When it comes to cases of dual diagnosis treatment, success rates can be higher in the recovery phase. Each diagnosis on its own can be a challenging task, and when both are treated in tandem, patients tend to see the benefits of detox, along with sustained increases and improvements in overall mental health, world view, and self worth.
The type of care associated with dual diagnosis is much more specialized as well. There is a delicate balance and need for understanding where a patient is at the start of treatment, and this allows for the patient to get the proper care they need to recover in a way that will last once treatment concludes. Be sure to take note of this when it comes to seeking addiction therapy.
Does NYSHIP Allow for Family Members to Use Rehab?
The short and simple answer to this question is “yes”. NYSHIP actually provides fairly comprehensive coverage that allows family members to enter into inpatient and outpatient programs, and allow them to get most additional benefits they’ll need to recover, including therapy and prescriptions. Explore our resources to learn more about addiction.
What is the Copay for NYSHIP?
As with any insurance program, copays will vary based on service and provider network. Generally, copays within the NYSHIP-approved HMOs will be higher than through The Empire Plan.
Who is Eligible for NYSHIP?
Active local and state government employees, retirees, and dependents aged 19-25 (with some exceptions) are eligible for NYSHIP. There are currently over 800 participating employers offering NYSHIP benefits to their employees.
Is NYSHIP Private Insurance?
No, NYSHIP is a public employer health insurance program for those working in the state of New York.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a teacher or other type of government employee, there are options available to you through NYSHIP that will allow you and your loved ones to get the appropriate treatment needed, covered by an insurance program designed to help you when you need it most. Drug and alcohol addiction is not something to take lightly. There is no better time than now to reach out and begin the journey of recovery.
