Drug and Alcohol Rehabs Blog

Anna Nicole – Killed by Doctors’ Prescription Drugs?

A new article just release by the Associated Press (AP) reports that documents unsealed in the investigation into Anna Nicole Smith’s death showed that a pharmacist refused to fill the prescriptions ordered by her psychiatrist and internist and warned them that it was “pharmaceutical suicide.”

The allegations are that the doctors wrote prescriptions a few days after the death of her son, which included “two sedatives, 300 tablets of methadone, a muscle relaxer, an anti-inflammatory drug and four bottles of a strong painkiller.”

How could anyone in their right mind give that many drugs to someone – especially a doctor? Any layperson could tell that such a mixture would be highly toxic. Then again, these doctors were also reportedly accused of having sexual contact with their patient as well, which isn’t surprising for a psychiatrist.

Many Americans dealing with prescription drug addiction started out with the pills being given to them by doctors. Patients must become more educated about what they’re putting into their bodies. Obviously this was a bit of a different situation since she was in a state of extreme anguish and distress, but drugging someone into oblivion – and ultimately death – won’t solve the problems they are faced with. Even if she had survived the barrage of pills, Anna Nicole would have needed an effective detox and drug rehab center.

Does Insurance Pay for Drug Rehab?

Many people have the assumption that their health insurance will pay for drug rehab centers.  This isn’t always the case, as there are many different variables that fall into the equation.

First, it depends on the individual’s policy and whether or not there are any substance abuse benefits.  Then there is the question of if it covers only in-network treatment programs or has out-of-network coverage as well.  Sometimes the percentage of coverage is lower for the latter because insurance companies have agreements with providers to charge less so they will cover more.

Many policies may cover detox and outpatient only but not residential treatment, but for those that do there are often either yearly or lifetime maximum benefits, and of course deductibles and co-pays.

The problem is that most insurance companies are part of publicly-traded companies with financial responsibilities to their shareholders, so their game is to collect as much money as possible and pay out as little as possible so they can earn a profit.  We have seen many people with substance abuse benefits get their claims denied, but if you stick with it and re-submit and get the proper documentation then you can get reimbursement for the expenses, or possibly there is a rehabilitation facility that will do that for you.

One of the things you have to weigh out is whether or not taking more financial responsibility now will save you in the long-run.  Too many people choose drug and alcohol rehabs based on insurance coverage despite the programs’ lack of results.  In many cases it is much better to find the best program for your situation and then try to maximize your coverage and return on the back-end.

For more information or questions about finding the right program, contact us today by calling 1-877-421-9659.