Using Union Benefits for a Spouse or Family Member
Many families reach out to us quietly—often late at night—because someone they love needs help, and they’re afraid of asking the wrong questions.
A common concern we hear is:
“My spouse (or parent) is the union member. Can we use their union health plan to help someone else in the family?”
In many situations, the answer may be yes—but the process is different than when the union member themselves is entering treatment.
This page explains, in plain language, how union family coverage for addiction treatment typically works, what families should know before calling, and how confidentiality is handled.
Can Union Health Plans Be Used for a Family Member?
Many union-sponsored health plans provide coverage for eligible dependents, such as:
- Spouses or domestic partners
- Dependent children
- Adult children (depending on plan terms and age limits, often up to age 26)
If the union member is the policyholder, their health plan may cover addiction treatment for a family member—even if the union member is not seeking treatment themselves.
Coverage depends on:
- The specific union health plan or trust fund
- Whether the person needing treatment is an eligible dependent
- Medical necessity and level of care (detox, residential, PHP, IOP)
- Whether the plan requires pre-authorization or referrals
We help families verify this confidentially and clearly, before any decisions are made.
Important: Just because someone is covered as a dependent doesn’t always mean addiction treatment is covered the same way as other medical care. We verify the specifics with your plan so you know exactly what to expect.
Does the Union or Employer Have to Be Notified?
This is one of the biggest fears families have—and understandably so.
In most cases:
- Using health insurance for a family member does not automatically notify an employer or union hall
- Treatment for a dependent is handled as medical care, not a workplace issue
- Confidentiality laws (HIPAA) protect the patient’s information from disclosure
- The union member’s job is not at risk when a family member seeks treatment
However, you should know:
- If your plan requires pre-authorization or EAP referral, the insurance company may need basic information (e.g., “dependent seeking substance use treatment”)
- The union member may see claims on their Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements
- We can help you understand what information might be shared and when
Our approach:
If any communication is required—for example, to verify coverage or coordinate benefits—we explain that before anything happens.
Nothing is done without consent.
What Information Is Required From the Union Member?
When a union health plan is being used for a spouse or family member, the union member (as the policyholder) may need to provide:
- Basic insurance information (ID number, group number)
Confirmation that the person needing treatment is an eligible dependent - Authorization for us to verify benefits with the insurance company
- In some cases, a signature on insurance verification forms
This does NOT mean:
- The union member is entering treatment
- The employer is notified
- The union member’s job is at risk
- The union hall will be contacted
We help families understand exactly what’s required—and what isn’t—so there are no surprises.
How Confidentiality Works for Family Treatment
Confidentiality is especially important when families are involved.
At Sober Partners:
- We protect the privacy of both the patient and the union member
- We do not contact unions, employers, or EAPs without proper authorization
- We explain how information is handled before moving forward
The patient’s treatment details are protected under federal confidentiality laws (42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA)
What the union member will (and won’t) see:
- They will see: Insurance claims on their Explanation of Benefits (EOB) showing treatment was provided
- They won’t see: Specific details about therapy sessions, diagnoses, or conversations in treatment
If you’re unsure what questions are safe to ask or how to start the conversation, we’ll walk through it with you calmly and privately.
Common Situations Families Call Us About
We often hear from families dealing with situations like:
- A spouse struggling with alcohol or prescription medication
- An adult child who needs treatment but is still covered under a union plan
- A family member whose substance use is affecting the entire household
- Fear that asking for help will “blow up” the union member’s career
- A loved one who won’t admit they have a problem—and families trying to figure out next steps
- Situations where the family member needing treatment doesn’t have their own insurance
You are not alone in this—and you are not overreacting by asking questions.
What If the Union Member Doesn’t Want to Help?
Sometimes families call us when the union member—the policyholder—doesn’t want to get involved, either because:
- They’re in denial about the problem
- They’re afraid it will create workplace issues
- There’s conflict in the relationship
Here’s what you should know:
- In most cases, the policyholder’s consent is required to verify and use benefits
- However, we can still talk with you about other options, including:
- Self-pay or payment plans
- Alternative insurance (if the person has their own coverage)
- How to have the conversation with the policyholder in a way that reduces fear
We help families think through realistic next steps—even in complicated situations.
Getting Answers Before Making Any Decisions
You don’t need to commit to treatment to ask how benefits work.
We can:
- Verify whether union family coverage applies
- Explain options for detox, residential, PHP, or outpatient care
- Answer questions about privacy, confidentiality, and next steps
- Help you think through timing and logistics
- Walk you through how to talk with the union member (if that’s a concern)
Our role is to help you understand the landscape—not pressure you into anything.
You’re allowed to ask questions. You’re allowed to take time. You’re allowed to figure this out at your own pace.
What About Out-of-State Families?
We regularly work with families from across the country whose union member’s health plan covers treatment in California.
Many national union plans—especially from large unions like IBEW, Ironworkers, ILWU, Teamsters, and others—provide out-of-network or out-of-state benefits for substance use treatment.
If your family member needs treatment but you’re not local:
- We can verify whether the plan covers out-of-state care
- We help with travel arrangements and logistics
- We coordinate with the union member’s insurance regardless of where they’re located
Distance doesn’t have to be a barrier.
Talk to Someone Who Understands Union Family Coverage
If you’re trying to help a spouse or family member and want to understand whether union benefits may apply, start with a confidential conversation.
You can call or text us to ask questions—even if you’re not sure what to do next.
We’re not here to rush you. We’re here to help you see your options clearly.
Reviewed and approved by Sanjai Thankachen, MD — Supervising Physician
Dr. Sanjai Thankachen graduated from Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medicine in 2000. He completed his residency in psychiatry in 2008 from Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in New York, where fifty percent of his rotations were at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. After his residency he worked at Ventura County Medical Centers in an adult out-patient setting and now lives in Orange County, California.