Individuals who serve in the military receive many benefits, including health care coverage. These benefits often reach beyond the years of service, helping veterans, retired military members, and their families get the ongoing care they need. However, multiple programs exist, and it is often confusing and challenging to navigate the healthcare or rehab landscape. Two primary programs that are offered are Triwest and TRICARE. These programs differ in multiple ways including who is eligible, the services they cover, and the regions covered. Fortunately, Pacific Sands Recovery is here to assist you by providing an overview of TriWest coverage for rehab in Orange Country, California.
What Is TriWest?
TriWest is part of the Community Care Network (CCN) through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The CCN offers veterans the opportunity to receive care in their community. If you are a veteran, this allows you to get the help you need from practitioners and caregivers outside of a VA facility. With a referral from the VA, you can receive help from private practices that partner with TriWest.
TriWest functions as a type of insurance supported through the VA. If you have TriWest, you can use it as insurance to get both mental and physical health care. TriWest is specific to the western region of the U.S. and is available for veterans in the following states:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- Wyoming
Is TriWest the Same as TRICARE?
TriWest and TRICARE are two different plans that differ in many ways. TRICARE is a program available to active-duty military members and their families, retired military members and their families, and Metal of Honor recipients and their kin. However, TriWest is only available to veterans who live in the western region of the U.S. Additionally, if you believe you are eligible for TriCare, you need to enroll through the VA to be covered for services in the community. This allows you to have access to services for which you have a referral within your community.
Within TRICARE, coverage will vary depending on the specific plan. This is also true of TriWest where coverage will depend on your income level, service connection, and type of discharge. If you are uncertain about what is covered for you, working with the VA is a good first step. However, treatment facilities can also help you understand these benefits and what steps you need to take to receive coverage for your treatment.
TriWest and Addiction Rehab
Veterans are at high risk for addiction and mental health disorders. More than one out of ten veterans are diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD), which is higher than the prevalence in the general population. If you are a veteran struggling with addiction or a mental health disorder, that is okay and you can get help.
Fortunately, TriWest covers mental health care and addiction treatment, including rehab in Orange County, California. There are many levels of care available for addiction rehab, which range from inpatient (staying at a treatment facility), and outpatient, which helps you heal while living at home. TriCare covers rehab on the entire continuum of care. This provides you with the option to work with a partner in the community to heal from addiction.
Working with the VA as a veteran provides you with many options to heal from mental health disorders. However, with TriCare, your options expand to include care beyond what is available through a VA facility. Rehab is a challenging process and finding a facility that meets your needs is important. Enrolling through the VA and getting a referral is the first step to finding treatment that can truly help you heal on all levels.
The Importance of Going to Rehab
As a veteran, you served your country at the risk of your own physical and mental health. Your efforts are appreciated and incredibly important, regardless of your role. However, now is the time to get help and begin healing.
Struggling with mental health disorders or SUD as a veteran can be incredibly difficult. They can add stress and challenges to the transition into civilian life. Additionally, SUD makes it hard to function daily in both your personal and professional life.
Fortunately, rehab can help. Through treatment, you can detox from drugs and alcohol, which is the first step in healing. Then, by working with a mental health care professional, you will learn healthy coping skills and heal from past traumas. By getting help and going to rehab, you improve your ability to function daily, learn skills to live a sober life, and become more capable of fostering healthy relationships with your loved ones.
As a veteran, you are at a higher risk of addiction and many mental health challenges. However, you can benefit from help. If you are struggling with addiction and are eligible for TriWest, you can go to rehab in Orange County at treatment facilities that are TriWest Partners. At Pacific Sands Recovery Center, we believe that veterans deserve high-quality treatment for mental health disorders and addiction. Our treatment is designed with professionals in mind, and we offer individualized care plans. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, we can help. Call us today at (714) 492-1119 to learn more about our programs and how we can work with you to get you the care you need.
