USHBP and CHAMPUS Programs

concerning these programs can be obtained upon request from the following offices: Concerning alcohol abuse and alcoholism: Director, National Clearing House for Alcohol Information P.O. Box 2345 Rockville, Maryland 20852 Phone (301) 468-2600 Concerning drug abuse and dependency: Director, Office of Communications and Public Affairs Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration Department of Health and Human Services 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, Maryland 20857 Phone (301) 443-3783 or (301) 443-6500 USHBP and CHAMPUS Programs The Uniformed Services Health Benefits Program (USHBP) and the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) are two programs which can off- set some costs for Navy and Marine Corps members and their families for alcoholism and drug rehabilitation. The RP should be aware that USHBP beneficiaries (dependents, retirees, and survivors of retirees) can enter into any of the Navy’s rehabilitation programs on a space- available basis. However, a backlog of active duty patients forces most rehabilitation facilities to refer applicants eligible for CHAMPUS or Veterans’ Administration (VA) benefits to those programs. The RP should also be aware that CHAMPUS shares the cost, up to 7 days, for inpatient hospital care required for detoxifica- tion during acute stages of alcoholism. Such detoxification usually takes from 3 to 7 days. Benefits which extend beyond this stage include inpatient rehabilitation in the hospital or other type of authorized institution. However, CHAMPUS reviews each rehabilitative stay to determine if an inpatient setting is required. CHAMPUS limits treatment for alcoholism, detoxification, and rehabilitation to 21 days per episode. CHAMPUS shares the cost for no more than three rehabilitative stays per beneficiary, but places no limit on the number of inpatient stays for detoxification. USHBP and CHAMPUS programs and enti- tlement to them are subject to change. Most Navy and Marine Corps facilities maintain a Health Benefits Advisor (HBA) on board who can provide current information regarding drug and alcohol treatment under USHBP and CHAMPUS. The CHAMPUS Handbook provides a summary of CHAMPUS Regula- tions. It can be obtained from the command’s Health Benefits Advisor (HBA). A current edition should always be kept in the office of the chaplain for a handy reference. Information not available within the CHAMPUS Handbook may be obtained from the local Health Benefits Advisor. State Administered Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Programs State governments, through their various Health and Human Service Agencies, administer state drug and alcohol programs which provide various medical, psychiatric, social, and rehabilitative services. The quality and avail- ability of these state administered services will vary from state to state. Information about state supervised facilities and services within the chaplain’s area can be obtained from the nearest state Health and Human Services office. STATE MENTAL HOSPITALS.—These facilities attempt to provide special drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, such as, group psychotherapy, lectures, discussions, movies which explain the various aspects of alcoholism and drug abuse, and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Community Health Programs Many communities have specialized drug addiction and alcoholism programs and facilities 5-38