Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs have become an integral part of addiction recovery. These programs combine the use of medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to address substance use disorders. This makes them a unique insurance risk. They are a blend of a counseling operation and a doctors office. MAT programs are responsible for prescribing and administering controlled substances. Many people in the program are normal individuals trying to live their lives, but some people in the program can be volatile. Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs have become an integral part of addiction recovery. These programs combine the use of medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to address substance use disorders.

This makes them a unique insurance risk.  They are a blend of a counseling operation and a doctors office.  MAT programs are responsible for prescribing and administering controlled substances.  Many people in the program are normal individuals trying to live their lives, but some people in the program can be volatile.

The names of the coverages that these programs need to buy sound similar, but the applications are unique.

11 Coverages you shouldn’t forget

Property insurance

MAT clinics have a space that look similar to an office space.  Their property insurance needs are similar.

It’s helpful to keep an inventory of all desks, chairs, computers.

This part of your program should not be very expensive.

Business Income and Extra Expense

If there is a fire in your office space, it’s important to consider the following business continuity issues:

  1. How long will you be out of your space?
  2. How long would it take for you to locate somewhere new?
  3. How much money would you lose while you were not operating?
  4. What would be the lagging effects of being out of operation?

Business Income pays for Net income and Continuing expenses while the space is shut down.

Crime & theft

Every organization needs to be concerned about employees stealing money from the organization.

MAT clinics also need to be concerned about employees and clients stealing controlled substances.

General Liability

General Liability pays for bodily injury and property damage caused to other people and organizations.

For MAT clinics the most common kinds of General Liability claims are slip and falls.

Professional Liability

This is where things get interesting.  MAT programs have all kinds of professional exposures.

They offer counseling services.  They prescribe and monitor medications.

They are responsible for monitoring how an individual is reacting to the treatment.

They will have a medical director, nurses, and counselors on staff.

It’s important that the professional policy applies all relevant services and professionals.

Abuse & Molestation

All outpatient operations need to have strong supervision of client and counselor relationships.  It’s can very quickly turn into an inappropriate relationship.  The insurance coverage can help pay for the lawyer and settlement, but it can’t pay for the reputation.

Cyber Liability

I’ve written other blog posts about the unique cyber exposures for schools and mental health programs.  MAT programs are no different.

Many of the people are that are on maintenance are people that hold down normal jobs.  If their identity were to be compromised on the internet, it could cause damage to their reputation and career.

It’s important that the MAT program carry cyber insurance protect themselves in the event that type of data breach occurs.

Auto Insurance

If the program either owns vehicles, or has employees use their personal vehicles on behalf of the business, it’s important to carry the appropriate auto insurance.

Workers compensation

Most times, the people that work in these programs are considered to be working in an office setting.  The appropriate classification is 8832 – Physicians and Clerical.  This is a relatively inexpensive rate.

If by some chance your program is classified in 8864 – Social Services, you should have someone else take a look at your insurance program.

Employment Practices Liability

Every business has HR risk.  MAT programs are no different.  Employment Practices Liability pays for an attorney and a settlement in covered employment related lawsuits.

Directors and Officers Liability

If the organizations is either non-profit, or has an ownership group, Directors and officers liability insurance should be considered to protect the leadership group for their managerial decisions.

This article gives an outline of the various coverages MAT programs should consider in their insurance suite.  I always recommend consulting with an independent agent to help design a program specifically for your business.

Explore Insurance Options for Sober Homes, Addiction Treatment Centers, and other Recovery Programs

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