This page is about coverage. For the care itself, including crisis help and PTSD, see addiction treatment for Veterans in Jacksonville.
VA care or TRICARE: which one?
- VA health care is for Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care. It is run by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- TRICARE is the health program for active duty service members, retirees and their families. It is run by the Defense Health Agency.
Some people have both, or have TRICARE plus other insurance. If you are unsure which applies, call each and ask.
What VA health care offers
The VA says its health care program covers services to treat substance use problems, from unhealthy alcohol use to life-threatening addiction. According to VA.gov, options include:
- Medically managed detox to stop substance use safely
- Medications to reduce cravings, like methadone and buprenorphine for opioid addiction
- Short-term outpatient counseling and intensive outpatient treatment
- Residential (live-in) care
- Marriage and family counseling, and continuing care to prevent relapse
- Treatment for related conditions such as PTSD and depression
To use these services, the VA says to first apply for VA health care. If the Veteran already has a VA primary care provider, they can talk to that provider about substance use. If not, the VA suggests finding a substance use disorder program on VA.gov, calling the VA’s general information line at 800-827-1000 or contacting the local VA medical center.
If you are the family member making calls, it helps to gather the Veteran’s discharge papers, ID and any VA or insurance cards before you start. Ask the VA what support is available for the family as well.
VA substance use care in Jacksonville
The VA’s Jacksonville North VA Clinic at 145 Heron Bay Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218 is part of VA North Florida/South Georgia Health Care. Its VA.gov page lists addiction and substance use care, with a Substance Abuse Treatment Team that offers psychotherapy, education, support and medication-assisted treatment, including care for Veterans with both a substance use disorder and PTSD.
The clinic’s page says Veterans can see a case manager as a walk-in during business hours for an assessment, and that some services need a referral. Hours and phone numbers can change, so check the clinic’s VA.gov page before you go.
What TRICARE covers
TRICARE says it may cover these substance use disorder services:
- Inpatient services, emergency and nonemergency
- Management of withdrawal symptoms (detox)
- Partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient programs
- Medication-assisted treatment, office-based opioid treatment and opioid treatment programs
- Mental health therapeutic services
TRICARE says it does not cover aversion therapy or unproven treatments, and it covers services that are medically necessary and considered proven. Some services have special rules. Call your TRICARE regional contractor to ask about a specific program, and see TRICARE’s substance use page.
Questions to ask before choosing a program
- Is this a VA program, or a community provider? If it is a community provider, has the VA approved the care?
- For TRICARE: is this program a TRICARE-authorized provider, and is a referral or prior authorization needed?
- Which level of care do you recommend, and why?
- Will the program share updates with the Veteran’s VA or military doctors, with their permission?
- Can I get the coverage details in writing?
Our insurance verification questions work for VA and TRICARE calls too. If your loved one also has other insurance, ask which plan pays first.
Veterans and military families: common questions
What if a Veteran is in crisis right now?
The Veterans Crisis Line is free, private and open 24/7. Call 988 and select 1, or text 838255. In an emergency, call 911. The VA says you can also go directly to the nearest VA medical center, whatever the Veteran’s discharge status or enrollment.
Does a Veteran need to be enrolled before getting help?
To use VA substance use services, the VA says to apply for VA health care first. In a crisis, the Veterans Crisis Line helps any Veteran, enrolled or not.
Can a Veteran go to a private Jacksonville program instead?
Sometimes. It depends on their coverage and VA rules for care in the community. Ask the VA before admission so the family isn’t surprised by a bill. You can also look at our treatment centers list.
Does TRICARE need approval before rehab?
Some services need a referral or prior authorization. Call the regional contractor and ask before choosing a program, then use our verification questions with the center.
Can family members get support too?
The VA offers marriage and family counseling as part of substance use care. Free groups like Al-Anon and Nar-Anon can also help. See our help for families section.