Find Alcohol & Drug Rehabs that Accept TriWest Insurance

TriWest coordinates care on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs, meaning coverage is tied to VA eligibility rules rather than a conventional commercial insurance model. 

Veterans who qualify for VA benefits and receive a referral for community care may access programs such as detoxification, outpatient counseling, residential treatment, and medication-assisted support when these services are approved.

Covered services may include assessments, therapy, medication management, stabilization care, co-occurring disorder treatment, and ongoing recovery support. 

The range of programs available depends on the clinical needs documented in the referral, the availability of providers in the Veteran’s region, and VA review of medical necessity.

Community care through TriWest becomes an option when VA facilities cannot provide timely, appropriate, or geographically accessible treatment. 

Some common situations include longer-than-acceptable wait times, travel barriers, or the absence of a specific level of care at a local VA hospital. Under these circumstances, a VA provider may issue a referral allowing the Veteran to receive services through a TriWest network program.

Better Addiction Care directs Veterans and families through this process so they know what to expect and how to navigate referral requirements effectively.

Providers working with TriWest under the VA CCN may offer a full continuum of addiction services. Program availability varies by region, but treatment options may include:

• Withdrawal management, including medical detoxification when clinically appropriate
• Residential or inpatient rehabilitation for individuals who require a structured care setting
• Intensive outpatient programs that combine therapy, skills training, and frequent monitoring
• Standard outpatient counseling for ongoing recovery needs
• Medication-assisted treatment for alcohol or opioid use disorders, when indicated, is authorized
• Mental health care for conditions that often occur with addiction, such as depression, PTSD, or anxiety

Only approved programs within the VA Community Care Network can work with TriWest. These facilities must meet VA quality standards, hold proper state licensing, and follow strict commitments related to credentialing, documentation, and clinical practice. 

Under these requirements, Veterans in community programs receive services that align with VA expectations for safety, clinical oversight, and treatment effectiveness.

Before services begin, certain steps may be required to confirm clinical need and ensure the VA has officially approved the referral. This may involve:

• A referral from a VA provider specifying the required level of treatment
• Documentation summarizing the Veteran’s symptoms, history, and safety considerations
• Authorization for higher-acuity services such as residential programs
• Confirmation that the provider participates in the VA Community Care Network

These steps help the VA determine whether the recommended care meets medical-necessity criteria before a Veteran starts a program outside the VA system.

A Veteran becomes eligible for community treatment when the VA identifies a clinical need and confirms that receiving care outside the VA is appropriate. Eligibility may depend on several factors, including:

• Enrollment in VA health benefits
• Completion of a VA evaluation documenting the need for addiction or mental health treatment
• VA decisions related to timely access, service availability, or Veteran preferences

Out-of-pocket expenses through TriWest vary depending on the Veteran’s assigned VA priority group and the specific services being delivered. 

Some Veterans may have no copays for substance use or mental health care under VA policy, while others may have nominal costs for certain outpatient services. 

Charges, if any, are set by the Department of Veterans Affairs, not by TriWest or the treatment facility.

The amount of time required to begin treatment depends on how quickly the VA can review clinical documents and issue a referral. 

Some approvals may be granted promptly, while others take longer due to scheduling, evaluation requirements, or care-coordination needs. 

Once authorization is issued, TriWest works with the facility and the Veteran to coordinate an admission date as soon as practical.

Programs working with TriWest follow evidence-based guidelines and maintain communication with designated VA points of contact. 

Treatment may include counseling, group sessions, medication support, relapse-prevention planning, and services that focus on underlying mental health concerns. 

Providers also document progress and ensure timely updates are shared with the VA to maintain continuity of care.

When a Veteran completes a level of care, providers coordinate directly with the VA to create a discharge summary and follow-up plan. 

This may involve outpatient counseling, medication follow-up, peer support services, or return to a local VA clinic for ongoing treatment. Ensuring a smooth handoff is an important part of maintaining long-term recovery.

Many Veterans seeking addiction care also experience conditions such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety.

TriWest-partnered programs authorized by the VA may offer integrated treatment so that both issues are addressed together. This approach helps Veterans stabilize more effectively and reduces relapse risk.

Veterans or family members can contact Better Addiction Care for help locating authorized programs, understanding referral requirements, and preparing for the VA evaluation. 

The process generally involves confirming eligibility, completing the clinical screening at the VA, receiving the referral, and coordinating with a VA-approved provider. Our team can assist Veterans with each step to reduce wait times and support a clearer path toward treatment.