How does Ohio Medicaid cover addiction treatment?
Ohio Medicaid covers substance use disorder treatment for eligible members, including assessment, outpatient and intensive outpatient care, residential treatment, withdrawal management and medication for opioid use disorder. Most members get benefits through an Ohio Medicaid managed care plan.
Ohio expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, so many low-income adults qualify. If you're uninsured, your county's local alcohol, drug addiction and mental health (ADAMH) board can point you to publicly funded treatment. See Ohio programs that accept Medicaid and state-funded options in Ohio.
Have questions about Medicaid or private insurance? Call (877) 847-2855 to talk with our admissions helpline. It's free and confidential.
Who certifies rehabs in Ohio?
The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) certifies community behavioral health providers, including addiction treatment programs. Under a 2023 state law, certified providers must also be accredited by a national body such as The Joint Commission, CARF or the Council on Accreditation, with existing providers required to have it at their first renewal on or after October 1, 2025. Residential and withdrawal management services are among those that require accreditation.
Before you commit, ask the program for its OhioMHAS certification and its accreditation. Our guide on how to choose a rehab explains other quality checks and red flags.
How does Casey's Law work in Ohio?
Families sometimes ask whether they can get help for a loved one who refuses treatment. Casey's Law (Ohio Revised Code 5119.90 to 5119.98) allows court-ordered treatment for alcohol and other drug abuse.
- Who can file: A spouse, relative or guardian files a petition in the county probate court.
- What it must show: That the person has an alcohol or drug problem and poses an imminent danger to themselves, family or others without treatment.
- Medical exam: The petition generally needs a physician's certificate from an exam within two days before filing, unless the person refused to be examined.
- Treatment and cost: The petitioner must arrange treatment in advance and show funds or insurance for at least half of the estimated cost, and must guarantee payment of related costs.
The process is a legal proceeding, and the person has rights throughout. Contact your county probate court or an attorney for guidance. Our guide on how to help a loved one also covers non-legal approaches that encourage treatment.
What should you ask an Ohio program before you enroll?
Before you agree to admission, ask:
- Is the program certified by OhioMHAS, and does that cover the services I need?
- Are you accredited by The Joint Commission or CARF?
- Do you accept my Medicaid plan or private insurance, and can you put my costs in writing?
- Do you offer or coordinate medication for opioid or alcohol use disorder?
- Can you treat co-occurring mental health conditions?
- How will you help me find outpatient care near home after discharge?
If you're worried about withdrawal, ask how the program handles medical detox. Withdrawal from alcohol and benzodiazepines can be life-threatening and should be medically supervised.
Where can you find treatment in Ohio?
Major treatment hubs include:
- Columbus and Central Ohio
- Cleveland and Northeast Ohio
- Cincinnati and Southwest Ohio
- Dayton and the Miami Valley
- Akron and Canton
- Toledo and Northwest Ohio
Use the filters on this page to find detox centers, residential programs, medication-assisted treatment or programs for veterans.
Should you get treatment in Ohio or travel?
Staying in Ohio is usually easiest if you have Ohio Medicaid, which generally covers in-state providers. If you have private insurance, check whether a program is in your network before traveling. Our guide on whether insurance covers rehab explains networks, deductibles and prior authorization. Learn more about Medicaid coverage in general.
Find the right program in Ohio
Focus on licensing, the right level of care and a plan for aftercare. For help comparing programs and checking your coverage, call (877) 847-2855 to reach our admissions helpline. If you or someone you love is in danger, call 911, or call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.