In Minnesota and across the country, opioid use disorder (OUD) continues to claim lives and devastate families. Whether it’s fentanyl, prescription painkillers, or heroin, opioid addiction is a medical condition—not a moral failing—and it requires comprehensive, compassionate treatment. One of the most common concerns for individuals seeking help is cost, and many wonder if there is Medicaid opioid treatment available.
The short answer is yes. Drug rehabs that accept Medicaid provide a wide range of evidence-based treatments for opioid use disorder, including inpatient detox, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and residential rehab. Thanks to policy changes and expanded healthcare coverage, people enrolled in Medicaid now have greater access than ever to life-saving addiction care.
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Does Medicaid Cover Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Use Disorder?
Yes. In fact, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is one of the most effective, evidence-based approaches for treating opioid addiction, and Medicaid programs in all 50 states, including Minnesota, offer coverage for MAT.
MAT combines FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapy and counseling. It’s designed to reduce cravings, prevent relapse, and support long-term recovery. For people dealing with opioid addiction, this approach can literally mean the difference between life and death.
The three FDA-approved medications used in MAT for opioid use disorder include:
- Methadone: A long-acting opioid agonist that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without creating a euphoric high when properly dosed and administered daily at licensed opioid treatment programs.
- Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist available via prescription from specially trained providers. Helps ease withdrawal and reduce cravings.
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol): A non-opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors and prevents any opioid from producing a high. Administered as a monthly injection.
Medicaid Opioid Treatment covers:
- Initial medical evaluations
- Ongoing medication costs
- Behavioral health therapy
- Routine follow-up appointments
- Lab work and drug screening
MAT is safe for long-term use, and many patients stay on medication for months or years as they rebuild their lives. In Minnesota, access to MAT through Medicaid is expanding in both urban and rural areas, making it a practical and sustainable option for many.
Can I Get Inpatient or Residential Treatment for Opioid Addiction Through Medicaid?
Yes, in many cases you can. Medicaid in Minnesota offers medical rehab coverage for addiction treatment, including opioid addiction, when it is deemed medically necessary. Inpatient and residential programs are structured environments where individuals live on-site and receive round-the-clock care.
These settings are beneficial for those who:
- Have relapsed multiple times
- Struggle with severe addiction or co-occurring mental health issues
- Need a break from environmental triggers or unsafe home situations
- Require detox followed by longer-term stabilization
What’s included in residential treatment:
- 24/7 medical supervision and support
- Individual and group therapy
- Medication management (MAT, psychiatric meds)
- Relapse prevention education
- Trauma-informed care
- Family therapy and case management
Minnesota Medicaid provides residential treatment coverage through Direct Access, a system that allows people to self-refer for substance use treatment without a Rule 25 assessment. This means fewer delays and quicker entry into care.
However, each case is reviewed for medical necessity, and length of stay may be subject to approval and authorization. Facilities like Pioneer Recovery Center must be DHS-licensed and may have agreements with specific managed care organizations (MCOs); therefore, it is always advisable to confirm coverage in advance.
Do I Need Prior Authorization for Opioid Addiction Treatment Through Medicaid?
In many cases, you do need prior authorization, but Minnesota has taken essential steps to reduce barriers to access for people seeking Medicaid opioid treatment for addiction.
Here’s how it works:
- Outpatient MAT (buprenorphine or methadone) typically requires a provider’s certification but not prior authorization in emergency or initial treatment cases.
- Residential treatment often requires prior authorization, especially if stays exceed a certain length.
- Inpatient hospital detox is usually covered if it’s deemed medically necessary, especially when withdrawal symptoms are severe or life-threatening.
If you’re unsure about your coverage, always ask the treatment center if they accept your Medicaid plan. Some facilities are only contracted with specific MCOs (such as Blue Plus, UCare, or HealthPartners), which can affect coverage. Delays in approval can occur, which is why it’s vital to work with a facility like Pioneer Recovery Center that has experience managing Medicaid approvals and advocating for patients.
Our staff handles the paperwork, tracks approvals, and communicates with Medicaid caseworkers, allowing you to focus on your recovery instead of dealing with administrative tasks. For many patients, obtaining Medicaid support is what makes the difference between delayed care and immediate, life-saving treatment.
Contact Us
If you’re interested in our services please reach out to us at 218-879-6844
We look forward to working with you!
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Are Women-Specific or Trauma-Informed Programs Covered by Medicaid?
Yes, and these women-specific programs are more essential than ever. Studies show that many women with opioid addiction have experienced trauma, domestic violence, or childhood abuse. Without drug intervention in Minnesota and addressing these deep wounds, relapse is more likely, no matter how effective the treatment plan.
Thankfully, Minnesota Medicaid recognizes the value of trauma-informed, gender-responsive care and evidence-based therapies with holistic practices, addressing the unique needs of women.
Trauma-informed programs include:
- Women-only group therapy and support
- Mother-and-child residential programs
- Therapists trained in trauma recovery and PTSD
- Services for pregnant or postpartum women with opioid use disorder
- Evidence-based therapies with holistic practices, addressing the unique needs of women
These services are covered under both MinnesotaCare and Medical Assistance (MA) when medically necessary and delivered by licensed or certified providers.
Trauma-informed care helps with:
- Processing grief and loss
- Healing from emotional or physical abuse
- Setting healthy boundaries
- Managing anxiety and depression without substances
- Building self-esteem and personal safety plans
Women who have experienced institutional trauma, custody battles, or sexual violence often report better outcomes when care is customized to their lived experiences. Medicaid’s support for these models makes holistic healing more accessible than ever.
Key Takeaways on Medicaid Opioid Treatment
- Medicaid opioid treatment in Minnesota covers a broad range of addiction treatments, including outpatient MAT, inpatient rehab, and counseling.
- MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) is fully covered under most Medicaid plans and includes medications like Suboxone, methadone, and Vivitrol.
- Residential and inpatient treatment programs are covered when medically necessary but may require prior authorization, especially for longer or extended stays.
- Direct Access allows Minnesotans to self-refer to treatment services without waiting for a Rule 25 assessment.
- Trauma-informed and women-specific care is increasingly available through Medicaid-approved providers and can dramatically improve recovery outcomes.
If you or a loved one is ready to overcome opioid addiction and is covered by Medicaid, help is just a phone call away. At Pioneer Recovery Center in Minnesota, we specialize in Medicaid-approved, trauma-informed care for women with opioid use disorder, including medication-assisted treatment and residential services.
Our caring team of addiction specialists is here to help you begin your healing journey, without judgment or shame, just support. Contact Pioneer Recovery Center today at 218-879-6844 to verify your Medicaid coverage and start your journey toward lasting recovery.
Resources
- Minnesota Department of Human Services – Substance Use Disorder Services
- Medicaid.gov – Substance Use Disorder Prevention
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Medication-Assisted Treatment
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – The Science of Medication-Assisted Treatment
