Many service members, veterans, and families delay getting help because they’re unsure how treatment will be paid for—or whether using insurance will complicate things.
If you’re covered through TRICARE, our team at Footprints Beachside Recovery can help you understand what your benefits may cover before treatment begins. We walk through approvals, explain what care may be included, and answer questions clearly—so decisions aren’t made in the dark.
When TRICARE coverage applies, it can help reduce the cost of treatment. When coverage is limited, we’re honest about that early and help you understand other options.
Who TRICARE Covers
TRICARE provides health coverage for eligible members of the military community, including:- Active duty service members
- Veterans and retired service members
- National Guard and Reserve members (when activated)
- Eligible spouses and children
- Survivors of deceased service members
- Medal of Honor recipients and their families
- Certain former spouses and dependents
What TRICARE May Help Cover for Addiction Treatment
TRICARE generally covers evidence-based addiction and mental health treatment when care meets medical criteria. Coverage depends on the level of care and the individual plan. Treatment that may be covered includes:- Detox services when medically necessary
- Structured day treatment programs
- Outpatient and intensive outpatient care
- Therapy for substance use and mental health conditions
- Dual diagnosis care when addiction and mental health issues overlap
Detox & Medical Stabilization
Detox decisions are always based on safety first.- Alcohol withdrawal often requires a short stay at a medical detox facility before transitioning into Footprints
- Opioid, fentanyl, and benzodiazepine withdrawal may sometimes be appropriate for Footprints following medical screening
- If higher medical care is needed, we help coordinate the right setting first
Treatment Programs & Levels of Care
TRICARE may help cover certain levels of care when criteria are met. At Footprints, treatment may include:- A small number of clients at a time, allowing for real individual attention
- Separate housing for men and women
- Full treatment days with therapy and clinical support
- Outpatient and step-down care to support long-term recovery
Mental Health & Dual Diagnosis Care
Many service members and veterans seek treatment for both substance use and mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or PTSD. TRICARE often includes coverage for:- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Integrated care that treats mental health and substance use together
How We Help You Use TRICARE
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Our admissions team can:- Verify your TRICARE benefits
- Explain what care may be covered
- Walk through approvals and authorizations
- Answer questions about costs and next steps
If You’re Unsure About Your TRICARE Coverage
Many people aren’t sure:- Which TRICARE plan they’re on
- What level of care is covered
- How approvals work
What to Look for in Your TRICARE Benefits (and What It Means)
When families hear that TRICARE “covers rehab,” it can be confusing. Coverage isn’t one single yes-or-no answer — it depends on which services are considered medically necessary and how care is structured.
Here’s what’s most important to look for.
Behavioral Health & Substance Use Benefits
TRICARE groups addiction treatment under behavioral health care. If your plan includes behavioral health coverage, it may help pay for:
- Addiction treatment services
- Mental health therapy
- Care for conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, or PTSD
This is often the foundation that allows treatment to be approved.
Levels of Care That Are Often Covered
TRICARE generally focuses on evidence-based levels of care, which may include:
- Detox services when medically necessary
- Structured day treatment (often called partial hospitalization)
- Intensive outpatient treatment (IOP)
- Standard outpatient therapy
Coverage depends on whether the level of care matches the person’s needs at that time.
Mental Health & Dual Diagnosis Coverage
TRICARE recognizes that addiction and mental health often overlap.
Benefits may include:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Treatment that addresses substance use and mental health together
This matters for service members and veterans dealing with trauma or long-term stress.
What TRICARE Does Not Cover
TRICARE does not cover:
- Non-evidence-based or experimental treatments
- Programs without clear clinical structure
- Treatments that cannot show medical necessity
This is why documentation, assessment, and proper placement are so important.
Cost Factors to Be Aware Of
Even when treatment is covered, families may still see some costs, such as:
- Deductibles
- Copays
- Coinsurance
Our admissions team explains these clearly before admission, so there are no surprises later.
Why Verification Matters So Much With TRICARE
TRICARE coverage depends on:
- The specific TRICARE plan
- Military status (active duty, retired, dependent, etc.)
- Location and regional contractor
- Medical need at the time of admission
That’s why we always verify benefits directly and explain them in plain language before anyone commits to treatment.
If TRICARE Doesn’t Cover Everything
If TRICARE coverage is limited or denied, we’ll calmly talk through alternatives:- Private pay options
- Family-supported arrangements
- Other resources that may apply to your situation
Why Service Members and Families Choose Footprints
Families connected to the military choose Footprints because of how we care for people—not because of promises or volume.- A small, focused program, not a large institutional facility
- Trauma-informed care that respects lived experience
- A calm beachside setting that supports stabilization and healing
- Clear insurance conversations before admission
- Joint Commission accredited
- Licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families
