When someone is struggling with substance use, one of the most critical steps toward recovery is completing a medically supervised detox. For many individuals and families, a big question emerges right away: is detox covered by Medicaid?
The short answer is that yes, in many states, Medicaid does cover medically supervised detox services—but there are some important factors to consider, including where you live, what kind of detox is required, and which Medicaid plan you have.
In this blog, Somers Point News will walk you through what you need to know, especially if you’re in a state like Arizona and considering options like AHCCCS or AZ Complete Health.
What Is a Medically Supervised Detox?
Before diving into coverage, it’s helpful to understand what medically supervised detox involves. Detox is the process of clearing drugs or alcohol from the body. When done under medical supervision, this process is closely monitored by healthcare professionals who are trained to manage withdrawal symptoms and potential complications.
This can include 24-hour care, medications to ease discomfort or prevent seizures, and monitoring for co-occurring mental or physical health issues.
Detox is not treatment in itself—but it’s often the first and most necessary phase. Once the body is stabilized, individuals are better prepared to transition into inpatient rehab, outpatient programs, or ongoing therapy.
Medicaid Coverage for Detox: A State-Level Decision
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program, which means each state has some flexibility in how it structures coverage. In general, Medicaid does provide benefits for substance use disorder treatment—including medically supervised detox—but the specific services, settings, and limitations can vary.
Some states fully cover both inpatient and outpatient detox. Others may limit coverage based on medical necessity, provider qualifications, or the level of care needed. If you’re enrolled in Medicaid and need detox, the key is understanding how your state’s plan defines and approves the service.
Medicaid in Arizona: Does It Cover Detox?
In Arizona, Medicaid is administered through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). This system contracts with several health plans, one of which is AZ Complete Health. These plans are responsible for managing care, including mental health and substance use treatment.
The good news is that AHCCCS does include coverage for medically supervised detox services. This applies to both alcohol and drug detox, including opioids, benzodiazepines, methamphetamines, and more. Coverage typically includes medical evaluation, medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms, 24-hour nursing care, and follow-up planning.
Depending on your individual needs and where you seek care, detox may be covered in a hospital-based setting, residential treatment facility, or licensed detox center. AZ Complete Health, in particular, works with a network of providers throughout the state to offer detox as part of their behavioral health services.
When Is Detox Considered Medically Necessary?
One of the most important factors in whether Medicaid will approve detox services is medical necessity. Simply put, you need to meet clinical criteria that indicate detox is the safest and most effective option for you.
This often involves an assessment by a licensed provider or treatment center. They’ll consider factors like the severity and duration of substance use, history of withdrawal symptoms, underlying health conditions, and potential risks without medical support.
If a provider recommends medically supervised detox based on these findings, Medicaid plans like AZ Complete Health will usually approve the treatment at a rehab treatment center in Arizona.
It’s also worth noting that detox may be approved under specific ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) levels of care. These range from outpatient withdrawal management to inpatient detox with intensive monitoring. Each level of care has clinical benchmarks to guide approval and placement decisions.
Inpatient vs Outpatient Detox Under Medicaid
Not all detox services are the same. Some people can complete withdrawal safely in an outpatient setting with regular check-ins and medication management. Others require more intensive inpatient care with around-the-clock supervision.
Medicaid plans, including those in Arizona, generally cover both types when medically necessary—but again, approval depends on your personal health status and the recommendation of a licensed provider.
- For example, someone detoxing from alcohol with a history of seizures or high blood pressure may be referred to an inpatient detox center in Phoenix. In contrast, a person with mild opioid withdrawal and strong home support may be a candidate for outpatient detox with medication-assisted treatment.
Both options are valid and potentially covered—what matters most is that the care is appropriate for your condition and provided by a Medicaid-approved facility or practitioner.
Finding a Medicaid-Approved Detox Facility in Arizona
If you’re in Arizona and need a detox program that accepts AHCCCS or AZ Complete Health, there are several ways to find help. Many treatment centers in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and other parts of the state are contracted with these Medicaid plans. These facilities offer different levels of care, from short-term detox to longer residential treatment and follow-up outpatient services.
You can start by contacting your health plan directly—if you’re enrolled in AZ Complete Health, their member services line can provide a list of covered detox facilities in your area. You can also work with a primary care provider or behavioral health provider to get a referral and complete a screening.
Some addiction treatment centers in Arizona will help verify your Medicaid coverage and pre-authorize detox services on your behalf.
What Happens After Detox?
Medically supervised detox is only the beginning. After the physical process of withdrawal is complete, ongoing treatment is crucial to prevent relapse and support long-term recovery. Medicaid in Arizona also covers a wide range of continuing care options, including:
- Inpatient residential rehab
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- Individual and group therapy
- Case management and peer support
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
AZ Complete Health and other AHCCCS providers typically create a treatment plan that guides you from detox through to the next steps in your recovery journey. The goal is to ensure continuity of care and help you build the skills and supports needed to stay substance-free.
Will I Have to Pay Anything for Detox with Medicaid?
Most Medicaid plans have little to no out-of-pocket cost for detox services. In Arizona, AHCCCS enrollees often pay nothing or only a minimal copayment, depending on their eligibility category and the type of service. AZ Complete Health, for example, typically covers behavioral health services in full when they are deemed medically necessary.
However, there may be limitations based on the provider you choose. Not all treatment centers accept Medicaid, and some may only accept certain plans. Make sure to confirm that the detox facility you’re considering is contracted with your Medicaid provider and that services will be covered.
How Quickly Can I Access Detox with Medicaid?
Access to detox can depend on availability, severity of symptoms, and insurance authorization processes. If your situation is urgent—for example, you are experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms—go to an emergency room or contact a crisis response line immediately. Hospitals in Arizona can initiate detox and help coordinate follow-up care with AHCCCS providers.
For non-urgent needs, contacting a treatment center directly or speaking with your health plan can get the process started. Many facilities have intake coordinators who can perform same-day assessments and help secure prior authorization. Keep in mind that acting early can prevent complications and increase your chances of finding a spot in the right level of care.
Medicaid and Detox Are More Accessible Than You Think
For many people dealing with addiction, fear of cost or insurance complications can be a barrier to seeking help. The reality is that most state Medicaid plans—including Arizona’s AHCCCS and AZ Complete Health—do provide robust coverage for medically supervised detox. Whether you need inpatient care for alcohol withdrawal or outpatient support for opioid use disorder, help is often just a phone call away.
The first step is reaching out. From there, licensed professionals and Medicaid plan coordinators can guide you through the process, ensure services are covered, and support you through each phase of treatment.
Getting clean starts with getting clear—and a medically supervised detox may be the safest, most supportive way to begin. If you or a loved one is considering treatment and enrolled in Medicaid, you’re not alone. Recovery is possible, and the help you need is likely covered.
By Chris Bates
