Medicaid rehab in Houston (and alternatives)

Altura does not currently accept Texas Medicaid. If that's your coverage, this page lists Houston providers who do — and affordable alternatives if you fall through the gap.

Houston outpatient programs that accept Texas Medicaid

Several Houston-area providers accept Texas Medicaid (STAR, STAR+PLUS, STAR Kids) for substance use treatment. As of 2026, these include:

• The Council on Recovery — Houston nonprofit offering outpatient treatment with sliding-scale and Medicaid acceptance.
• The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD — Harris County's local mental health authority; outpatient SUD services for Medicaid and uninsured residents.
• Cenikor Foundation — long-term residential and outpatient with Medicaid and self-pay options.
• The Right Step — multi-location Texas provider accepting some Medicaid plans.

Call SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) for a free, confidential referral 24/7. They maintain an updated database of Medicaid-accepting providers.

What Texas Medicaid covers for substance use

Texas Medicaid covers a defined set of substance use treatment services for eligible adults:

• Outpatient counseling (individual and group)
• Intensive Outpatient (IOP) — through specific contracted providers
• Medication-assisted treatment (Suboxone, Vivitrol, naltrexone)
• Limited residential treatment

Coverage details vary by plan. Texas Medicaid does not currently cover sober living housing — no insurance plan in the US does.

If you don't qualify for Medicaid

Texas has one of the strictest Medicaid eligibility thresholds in the country. Many working adults fall into the "coverage gap" — too high income for Medicaid, but unable to afford insurance. If that's you, options include:

• HealthCare.gov marketplace plans — open enrollment November-January, special enrollment for life events. Many Houston-area plans, including Ambetter from Superior HealthPlan, Curative, and BCBS Blue Advantage HMO options, have low premiums after subsidies. Network fit still needs verification.
• Sliding-scale community providers — The Council on Recovery and Harris Center adjust fees based on income.
• Payment plans — many private rehabs (including Altura) offer 0% payment plans over 6-12 months.
• HSA/FSA — if you have one, substance use treatment is a qualified medical expense.
• Employer EAPs — may cover initial counseling sessions and provide referrals.

Special populations

Veterans: The Houston VA Medical Center provides substance use treatment for eligible veterans. Vet Centers also offer counseling. Some private rehabs (not Altura) accept TRICARE and VA Community Care Network referrals.

Pregnant women: Texas Medicaid covers pregnant women up to 198% of poverty. Substance use treatment during pregnancy is fully covered. The MOTHERS program at UT Health Houston specializes in maternal substance use.

Adolescents: Children's Medicaid (CHIP, STAR Kids) covers adolescent substance use treatment. Altura is adults-only. For adolescents, contact The Right Step or Memorial Hermann Prevention and Recovery Center.

If you have commercial insurance

If you have any of these commercial insurance plans, Altura is in-network:

• Ambetter from Superior HealthPlan
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
• UnitedHealthcare (including Optum, UMR)
• Cigna (including Evernorth)
• Curative

Most members of these plans pay $0 to a small copay after meeting their deductible. Verify your specific benefits free — no obligation.

If you're in crisis right now

If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest ER. For 24/7 confidential support without going to the hospital:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988
• SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-4357
• Texas Crisis Line — 1-800-989-6884 (Harris County)