Most often the answer we hear is, “No.”
Internet Use and Gaming disorder, while recognized as an emerging problem, and classified in the DSM-5 as a “condition of further study,” is not considered to have enough “scientific evidence” and “prevailing medical standards,” for coverage in most (if not all) cases.
For example, the Optum behavioral health website defines the above terms as follows: “Scientific evidence” means the results of controlled clinical trials or other studies published in peer-reviewed, medical literature generally recognized by the relevant medical specialty community. “Prevailing medical standards and clinical guidelines” means nationally recognized professional standards of care including, but not limited to, national consensus statements, nationally recognized clinical guidelines, and national specialty society guidelines.
While Internet Use and Gaming disorder is not presently in the DSM-5, it is often diagnosed by providers as Impulse Control Disorder (NOS). While one would think treatment for an impulse control disorder should be allowed, most (if not all) insurance companies exclude treatment for impulse control disorders.
As a clinical team, we are saddened by the lack of access to treatment for users suffering from problematic use issues in the United States and worldwide, and have worked diligently over the past decade to advocate on behalf of users struggling to maintain control over their use. We will continue to educate and advocate for and behalf of users for better access to mental health coverage in the US.
In the meantime, we continue to provide services to clients in need of support, care, and treatment using the best practices of the day.
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