Does Maryland Medicaid Cover Drug and Alcohol Rehab? (2026 Guide)

One of the first questions almost everyone asks when they look into addiction treatment is whether their insurance will cover it. Does Maryland Medicaid cover drug and alcohol rehab? In nearly every case, yes. Maryland Medicaid — known formally as Medical Assistance and delivered through the state's HealthChoice managed care program — covers medically necessary substance use treatment at every outpatient level of care.

This guide breaks down exactly what Maryland Medicaid covers for drug and alcohol rehab, who qualifies, which plans are included, and how to start treatment at a Medicaid-accepting outpatient program in Baltimore.

Does Maryland Medicaid Cover Rehab?

Yes. Maryland Medicaid covers substance use disorder (SUD) treatment as an essential health benefit. That includes screening and assessment, outpatient counseling, intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), case management, and care coordination. Because addiction is treated as a medical condition, Medicaid is required to cover medically necessary care the same way it covers any other health service.

At Walkway to Healing, we accept Maryland Medicaid for all of our outpatient programs, and our team verifies your specific benefits before your first appointment so there are no surprises.

What Levels of Care Does Maryland Medicaid Cover?

Maryland Medicaid covers the full continuum of outpatient addiction treatment, defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) levels of care:

• Level 1 Outpatient (OP) — individual and group counseling, generally fewer than 9 hours per week. Learn more about our Level 1 Outpatient program.
• Level 2.1 Intensive Outpatient (IOP) — structured group and individual therapy, typically 9–20 hours per week. See our Intensive Outpatient Program.
• Level 2.5 Partial Hospitalization (PHP) — the most intensive level of outpatient care, usually 20 or more hours per week. Explore our Partial Hospitalization Program.

Maryland Medicaid also covers medical detox, residential treatment, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when those services are medically necessary. Walkway to Healing specializes in the outpatient and partial hospitalization levels listed above — and if you need detox or MAT, we'll help connect you with the right provider.

Which Maryland Medicaid Plans Cover Addiction Treatment?

Maryland delivers Medicaid through nine HealthChoice managed care organizations (MCOs). All of them are required to cover substance use treatment. The plans include:

• Aetna Better Health of Maryland
• AmeriHealth Caritas
• CareFirst Community Health Plan Maryland
• Jai Medical Systems
• Kaiser Permanente
• Maryland Physicians Care
• MedStar Family Choice
• Priority Partners
• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

Behavioral health and SUD services in Maryland are administered through the state's public behavioral health system, which means coverage for addiction treatment is broadly consistent across plans. If you're not sure which plan you have, we can help you check — just verify your insurance with our team.

Who Qualifies for Maryland Medicaid?

You may qualify for Maryland Medicaid if you are a Maryland resident and your household income falls within the program's limits. For most adults aged 19–64, the income threshold is set at 138% of the federal poverty level, and eligibility does not depend on having a disability or dependent children. U.S. citizens and many qualified immigrants are eligible.

If you don't currently have Medicaid, you can apply any time of year through Maryland Health Connection. Our staff can walk you through the application and, in many cases, help you begin the process the same day you reach out. Many people qualify and simply never applied.

What If I Don't Have Insurance Yet?

If you're uninsured, that doesn't mean treatment is out of reach. We can help you apply for Maryland Medicaid and connect you with care while your application is processed. Don't let the paperwork stop you — contact us and we'll help you figure out your options.

How to Start Medicaid-Covered Rehab in Maryland

Getting started is simpler than most people expect:

• Verify your benefits. Call us at (410) 934-7976 or verify your insurance online. We'll confirm exactly what your Maryland Medicaid plan covers before your first appointment.
• Complete a brief intake. Start your intake online in about two minutes, or do it over the phone.
• Come in for an assessment. A licensed counselor will recommend the right level of care. Here's what to expect at your first visit.
• Begin treatment. Most people start within a few days of their assessment.

The Bottom Line

Maryland Medicaid covers drug and alcohol rehab at every outpatient level of care. If you have Maryland Medicaid — or think you might qualify — treatment is within reach today. Verify your coverage or call (410) 934-7976 to get started.

This article is for general information and is not medical or insurance advice. Coverage depends on your specific plan and medical necessity. Contact Walkway to Healing or your Medicaid plan to confirm your benefits.