Do Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers Take Office of Workers' Compensation Programs?

Plans for workers’ compensation insurance are created to benefit employers who experience work-related illnesses and accidents. Medical treatment and a monthly disability benefit are generally included in workers’ compensation payouts. But what if you’re looking for Office of Workers’ Compensation rehab programs? Keep reading for more information on all things OWCP.

Who is Office of Workers' Compensation Programs?

The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) is a federal agency under the United States Department of Labor. Its role is to manage various workers' compensation programs that aim to provide benefits to federal workers, coal miners, longshore and harbor workers, and other employees who suffer injuries or illnesses due to their work. The OWCP’s origins began in 1916 with the passage of the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA), which provided benefits to federal employees who suffered work-related injuries or illnesses.1 Over the years, the OWCP's jurisdiction has expanded to include other programs such as the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA), the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA), and the Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA). The OWCP also administers the Federal Black Lung Program, which provides benefits to coal miners and their families who are disabled or have died as a result of black lung disease. The mission of the OWCP is to guarantee injured workers receive their entitled benefits and enhance workplace safety and health. They also support injured workers to help them return to work and provide rehabilitation services. In addition, OWCP collaborates with employers and labor organizations to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses through educational and training programs.

What is OWCP Rehab Insurance Coverage?

The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs does not offer a specific "Rehab Insurance Coverage" program. However, OWCP provides rehabilitation services as part of its benefits under various compensation programs, such as the Federal Employees' Compensation Act,2 the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act, and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act.

Does OWCP Cover Drug and Alcohol Rehab?

If you're an injured federal employee or become ill due to your job, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA). These benefits may include coverage for drug and alcohol rehabilitation services, if necessary, to treat your work-related injury or illness. Not all drug and alcohol treatment programs are covered by the OWCP, which administers FECA benefits. The OWCP will only cover services considered reasonable and necessary for treating your work-related injury or illness provided by a qualified medical professional. However, they will not cover on-the-job accidents resulting from drug or alcohol use.3 While the Affordable Care Act4 expanded access to essential health benefits, including drug and alcohol rehab, the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs specifically provides coverage for services related to a work-related injury or illness. Additionally, you may need to obtain pre-authorization from the OWCP for drug and alcohol treatment services, and specific requirements may exist. If you have any questions about eligibility for these services, contact your OWCP claims examiner or Virtue Recovery Center at 866-461-3339 to determine your eligibility for drug and alcohol rehabilitation services under FECA.

Check Your OWCP Insurance for Addiction Treatment

You can check your OWCP insurance coverage levels for drug or alcohol addiction rehab by calling us on 866-461-3339 or by using the form below.

Our admissions coordinators will interact directly with your insurance provider on your behalf, removing from your shoulders the burden of figuring out if your insurance will pay for your addiction treatment.

Does OWCP Cover Mental Health Rehab?

The Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) offers workers' compensation benefits to federal employees who get injured or sick while performing their duties. These benefits include mental health rehabilitation services, which may be covered by the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) if they are deemed necessary to treat a work-related injury or illness.

Examples of mental health rehabilitation services include inpatient care, outpatient care, psychotherapy like cognitive-behavioral therapy, counseling, medication management, support groups, wellness programs, and other related treatments. However, remember that the OWCP only covers services reasonable and necessary to treat a work-related injury or illness.

Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab Centers That Take OWCP Insurance

Virtue Recovery Center has been helping individuals overcome addiction and substance abuse through our accredited treatment facilities in multiple states for years. Whether you or a loved one needs care, our substance abuse treatment centers can provide the necessary level of support. To get in touch, please call 866-461-3339 or visit one of our physical locations listed below:

How Much Does Rehab Cost with OWCP Insurance?

Rehab costs with the OWCP will depend on several factors, including the specific compensation program, the type of rehabilitation services needed, and the provider's fees. The OWCP generally pays for medical expenses directly to the provider, so you may not have to pay for services upfront. However, specific payment arrangements may vary depending on the compensation program and the provider.

The OWCP may limit the amount or duration of certain rehabilitation services, and the agency may require pre-authorization for specific treatments. Additionally, the OWCP may restrict the provider's fees and need providers to accept a fee schedule or negotiate a fee agreement.

In any case, you should consult with your OWCP claims examiner or call 866-461-3339 to verify insurance and determine the specific costs and payment arrangements associated with treatment.

How To Check My OWCP Insurance Coverage Levels for Rehab Treatment

At Virtue Recovery Center, we accept most insurance plans. However, we understand how difficult it can be to contact your provider. To make it easier, we offer a no-obligation online form for you to complete to verify insurance coverage for rehab treatment. Or, if you’re ready and committed to sobriety, you can talk to an admissions coordinator today.

Our admissions coordinators will provide information on OWCP rehab coverage, rehab treatment options, and the aftercare planning procedure to get you well and back to work.

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How To Get OWCP To Pay for Rehab Treatment

To get OWCP rehab coverage, you must follow certain steps and meet specific requirements. See below for a general outline of how to get OWCP rehab coverage:
  • File a claim: If you have a work-related injury or illness, you need to submit a claim to the OWCP. Ensure you file it within the specified time frame and include all necessary documents, such as medical reports and treatment records.
  • Obtain a medical recommendation: To receive rehab treatment, you need a medical recommendation from a licensed physician. The physician should include a detailed description of the recommended treatment, including the type, frequency, and duration.
  • Submit an authorization request: To get approval for the suggested rehab treatment, you need to request authorization from the OWCP. Your request should contain the medical recommendation and additional supporting documents, like treatment plans or cost estimates.
  • Receive authorization: Once you submit your request for rehab treatment, the OWCP will assess if it is necessary and reasonable for your work-related injury or illness. If approved, you will receive a written notice detailing the authorized treatment's type, frequency, and duration.
  • Schedule and receive treatment: After receiving authorization, you can schedule and undergo the approved rehab treatment from a provider. The payment for the authorized treatment will be made directly to the provider by the OWCP.

How Many Times Will OWCP Pay for Rehab?

The number of times the OWCP will provide rehabilitation services depends on the type of compensation program, the service required, and your medical needs. Medical rehabilitation services are provided to help you recover from a work-related injury or illness, depending on your particular needs and the duration and frequency of the authorized treatment.

Rehab Treatment and Insurance Statistics

  • The OWCP paid out 790 million in medical and rehabilitation services benefits to almost 200,000 beneficiaries in 2020.1
  • The OWCP paid out 772 million in medical and rehabilitation services benefits to almost 183,359 beneficiaries in 2021.2
  • The OWCP’s new opioid policy saw a 43% decline in new opioid prescriptions and a 75% decline in prescriptions that last longer than 30 days.3
  • In a poll conducted by the Johns Hopkins Institute on various companies, it was discovered that 70% responded that if they learned that a worker had a drug addiction issue, they would let the individual return to work and help them receive treatment.4
  • Some substance use disorder (SUD) patients mistrust the confidentiality guarantees made by treatment facilities, particularly employee assistance programs (EAPs), which are employee benefits offered free of charge to assist with personal and professional issues. Many people also fear revenge because they are sensitive to the stigma associated with being called an addict or an alcoholic.5
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a federal civil rights law that went into effect in 1990, forbids discrimination against workers in recovery or who have sought addiction treatment. The ADA safeguards people by prohibiting employers from engaging in discriminatory practices, such as the following:6
  • Refusing to recruit or promote a person because they have previously sought care for a substance or alcohol use disorder or have attended rehab
  • Letting someone go because they are receiving addiction treatment currently or in the past
  • Letting go of, refusing to hire, or not promoting someone with a history of drug or alcohol abuse
According to recent data, nursing aides often file the most workers' compensation claims.7

Check Your BCBS Insurance Coverage With Virtue Recovery Center

If you’re committed to recovery, submit a request to one of our professional admission coordinators today using the form below. Before discussing the next steps, a coordinator will address any inquiries regarding our programs, including interacting directly with your Blue Cross Blue Shield Rehab on your behalf to check your insurance coverage levels for drug or alcohol addiction rehab.

STEP 1

Using your Health Insurance Card, fill out all of the fields on the confidential form.

STEP 2

A member of our staff will contact your insurer to verify if your policy will cover your treatment

STEP 3

We will contact you promptly with the results of the verification and discuss the next steps

*Insurance Disclaimer: Virtue Recovery Center will attempt to verify your health insurance benefits and/or necessary authorizations on your behalf. Please note that this is only a quote of benefits and/or authorization. We cannot guarantee that payment or verification eligibility will be accurate and complete as conveyed by your health insurance provider. Payment of benefits is subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the member’s contract at the time of service. Your health insurance company will only pay for services it determines to be “reasonable and necessary.” Virtue Recovery Center will make every effort to have all services preauthorized by your health insurance company. Suppose your health insurance company determines that a particular service is not reasonable and necessary or that a specific service is not covered under your plan. In that case, your insurer will deny payment for that service, and it will become your responsibility.

Your Name*
Who is seeking treatment?*
Name of Patient
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Insurance Company's Name*

*Insurance Disclaimer: Virtue Recovery Center will attempt to verify your health insurance benefits and/or necessary authorizations on your behalf. Please note, this is only a quote of benefits and/or authorization. We cannot guarantee payment or verification eligibility as conveyed by your health insurance provider will be accurate and complete. Payment of benefits are subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the member’s contract at time of service. Your health insurance company will only pay for services that it determines to be “reasonable and necessary.” Virtue Recovery Center will make every effort to have all services preauthorized by your health insurance company. If your health insurance company determines that a particular service is not reasonable and necessary, or that a particular service is not covered under your plan, your insurer will deny payment for that service and it will become your responsibility.

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Related Rehab and Insurance Resources
Sources and Citations
  1. “History of OWCP.” U.S. Department of Labor, www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/owcphist. Accessed 7 May 2023.
  2. “Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) Claims Administration.” U.S. Department of Labor, www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/FECA/about. Accessed 7 May 2023.
  3. Goodman Acker, P.C., Michigan Personal Injury Attorneys. “Workers’ Comp and Drug Rehab – Detroit Injury Lawyer.” Goodman Acker, 4 June 2015, www.goodmanacker.com/blog/workers-comp-and-drug-rehab.
  4. Anderson, Steve. “What Is the Affordable Care Act (ACA)? | healthinsurance.org.” healthinsurance.org, 13 Mar. 2023, www.healthinsurance.org/glossary/affordable-care-act.
  5. OFFICE OF THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PROGRAMS. “OFFICE OF THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PROGRAMS UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR 2020 ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS.” U.S. Department of Labor, www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OWCP/FY2020OWCPAnnualReporttoCongress.pdf. Accessed 7 May 2023.
  6. OFFICE OF THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PROGRAMS. “2021 ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS.” U.S. Department of Labor, www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OWCP/FY2021OWCPAnnualReporttoCongress.pdfAccessed 7 May 2023.
  7. “OWCP’s New Opioid Policy to Protect Federal Injured Workers.” U.S. Department of Labor, www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/FECA/opioidactionplan. Accessed 7 May 2023.
  8. “The Other Drug Issue - When Addiction Is a Pre-Work Injury Problem.” Genex, www.genexservices.com/insights/workers-comp/blog/other-drug-issue-when-addiction-pre-work-injury-problem.
  9. “Employing and Managing People With Substance Use Addictions.” SHRM, www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/tools-and-samples/toolkits/pages/personswithaddictions.aspx. Accessed 7 May 2023.
  10. U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. “The Americans With Disabilities Act.” ADA.gov, www.ada.gov. Accessed 7 May 2023.
  11. Desire, Legal. “Which Profession Has the Highest Workers’ Compensation Claims?” Legal Desire Media and Insights, Sept. 2022, legaldesire.com/which-profession-has-the-highest-workers-compensation-claims.

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