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Paying for Rehab: Cost, Insurance, & Treatment Financing Options

The cost of paying for drug and alcohol rehab can feel overwhelming for many people and is one of the primary reasons people don’t get treatment.1 In 2020, 19.1% of people aged 12 or older who needed substance use disorder (SUD) treatment didn’t get it, reporting that being without insurance and high cost or a lack of financial assistance were reasons for not seeking alcohol and drug rehab treatment.1

Substance use disorders are treatable, and paying for rehab may be possible with additional resources and understanding about the cost of treatment. If you or a loved one is seeking addiction treatment and wants to know more about paying for rehab, this article will outline common ways to cover the cost.

How Much Does Rehab Cost?

When it comes to addiction treatment, one of the major questions people have is ‘how much does rehab cost?’ The cost of alcohol and drug rehab centers depends on several factors, including:

Typically, inpatient or residential and private rehab for drug and alcohol addiction treatment costs more because people stay in the facility during their stay. Inpatient treatment may also include a higher level of care, with more supervision and clinical services to ensure each person receives support for co-occurring mental or physical health conditions.

While cost is an important consideration when choosing alcohol and drug rehab treatment, the program and facility you pick should offer individualized care that addresses all your needs.8 Effective treatment is more likely when it addresses social, medical, psychological, legal and employment-related needs.8 You may be in search of holistic or specialized treatment, such as women’s rehab centers, rehab treatment for couples, treatment for seniors or rehabilitation programs for LGBTQ people. Some rehabs are faith-based, while others take a secular approach. It is important to consider what type of rehab will best suit your needs before embarking on treatment.

How to Pay for Alcohol or Drug Rehab Without Insurance

You may be wondering what payment options are available to access alcohol or drug rehab if you don’t have financial assistance. Perhaps you are wondering if you can attend alcohol and drug rehab without insurance or with help paying for rehab via funding. There are several ways to finance treatment and make sure that you or a loved one receives the appropriate care. Many people choose to pay for drug or alcohol rehab using private insurance, which often covers some or all of the cost.

If you want to access rehab with no insurance and don’t have access to other forms of payment like savings, loans or payment plans, state-funded and free rehab facilities may be an option. The information found below will help you assess your payment options and establish your rehab payment plan.

The Affordable Care Act

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), mental health and substance abuse coverage is considered an essential health benefit (EHB).3 As such, the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace plans and Medicare plans must cover treatment for substance use disorders at a level equivalent to medical and surgical procedures.3, 4, 5 However, specific benefits and coverage depend on where a person lives and which type of plan they choose.3

Many private insurance companies now consider SUD treatment an essential health benefit and provide coverage for SUDs to align with the ACA.3 If you have Medicare, you already have coverage and don’t need to apply for a plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Private Insurance

Insurance coverage for alcohol or drug addiction treatment is available from many providers. Some insurance providers who cover addiction treatment are:

The level of care and coverage varies depending on the individual’s policy, but many private insurance companies cover the same essential health benefits that are required under the ACA.

If eligible, people can also get insurance through:

  • Medicare.
  • Medicaid.
  • VA insurance.

Some factors that may affect coverage include:

  • Facility location.
  • Type of treatment.
  • Medications used.
  • Level of care.
  • Type of insurance plan.

The best way to find out what your insurance covers is to contact your provider using the phone number on your insurance card or to visit their website. You can also check your benefits with American Addiction Centers (AAC) facilities through the form below, contact us for free at .

How to Pay for Rehab With Medicare or Medicaid

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that offers coverage to people 65 or older, certain young people with a disability or people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).6 There are different parts to Medicare, with each part covering specific services. Medicare Parts A and B cover services to treat SUDs and mental health conditions.9 This may include various levels of care like inpatient and outpatient treatment, medication and other clinical services.9

Medicaid is a program that is funded by states and the federal government. It provides low-cost or free healthcare to many low-income people, regardless of age, and is based on income and family size.7 Coverage and eligibility can vary depending on the state a person lives in.7 Those with Medicaid often pay nothing for medical costs, though a small copayment might be required.7

If you think you may qualify for Medicaid, visit your state’s Medicaid website or visit HealthCare.gov to check eligibility and apply for benefits.

Paying for Drug and Alcohol Rehab Without Insurance

Since the cost of rehabilitation treatment can be quite high depending on the length of stay and the rehab facility – luxury and executive treatment facilities may be particularly costly – private rehab financing may be an option to consider. This could be the case if a person is without insurance or doesn’t qualify for state or federal rehab assistance. Alcohol and drug rehab financing may be offered through the facility you choose or a third party.

If you don’t have insurance, private alcohol and drug rehab financing isn’t an option and you need help paying for rehab, you may also consider:

  • Sliding scale, in which the price of treatment depends on the individual’s income and their ability to pay.
  • Scholarships and grants, which may be offered by a specific facility or other organization that seeks to help those struggling with addiction via rehab funding.
  • Payment plans, which some rehab facilities offer to make treatment more accessible.

To learn more about alternative ways to pay for rehab, contact a representative from the facility to discuss payment options.

You can also search the treatment locator offered by The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which can help you find local treatment facilities that may offer alternative payment options.

How to Find Alcohol and Drug Addiction Rehab Near Me

You may be wondering, ‘where can I find drug rehab near me without insurance?’ Perhaps you are keen to discuss treatment financing options. You might be looking to find out how to access detox without insurance. Perhaps you are looking to enquire about drug and alcohol rehab scholarships or loans for drug rehabilitation. If you or a loved one is ready to get help but you are concerned about paying for rehab, American Addiction Centers (AAC) is here to provide assistance.

To discuss your rehab options, call our caring admissions navigators toll-free free at . They will listen and answer questions about our treatment facilities and can provide additional addiction resources. We’re available 24/7 to hear your story and help you get started on the road to recovery. You can also check your insurance benefits online now to determine whether your insurance provider will cover the cost of rehabilitation treatment.

There are also free drug abuse and alcohol abuse hotline numbers you can contact.

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