Depending on the length of treatment and the facility, drug rehab costs can be quite expensive. The good news is that there are a number of ways to pay for addiction treatment that can make it more affordable. These methods of payment include private rehab financing, insurance, loans and credit cards, scholarships and grants, state funded treatment options, and more.
Regardless of the method of payment, cost should not deter individuals from obtaining the help that they need. Many people find that once they complete drug or alcohol rehab, their lives dramatically improve and the cost is well worth the investment. It is important to understand the various financial options for addiction treatment available, and the article below will discuss several different methods for paying for rehab and alcohol and drug rehab.
The Most Commonly Accepted Payment Types at Rehab
Many people are under the impression that they can only access drug or alcohol rehab through private insurance coverage, but this is not always the case. In fact, in 2019, the majority of rehabilitation centers reported that they accepted cash or self-payment (90 percent), private insurance (73 percent), and Medicaid (68 percent). Additionally, many state and local government funded treatment facilities exist, which are financed through tax dollars. These facilities typically have very low or no fees for services and may offer a sliding scale fee based on a patient’s income.
In addition, private health insurance companies have recently begun to consider substance use disorder and mental health as essential benefits under the Affordable Care Act, and many plans now offer coverage for these conditions. The ACA requires all individual and group health insurance policies to cover these types of treatments in the same manner as they cover medical and surgical procedures. The specifics of how this coverage is provided will vary from insurance provider to insurance provider, as well as the individual’s particular policy.
Some private rehabilitation facilities also offer their own financing programs, which can be helpful for those who cannot afford to pay for rehab out of pocket. For example, some programs may offer a credit card with a 0% interest balance-transfer offer, which can provide an affordable means of financing rehab and eliminating debt.
Additionally, the majority of public and non-profit addiction treatment programs are free or very low in cost, and often times can be found by searching online. It is important to do research and contact the addiction treatment centers you are considering to find out which ones have these types of programs in place. Scholarships and grants are also available for rehab, though these can be difficult to obtain and take a lot of time and effort. Some recovery programs are familiar with the most accessible grant and scholarship programs, and they may be able to assist you in finding these sources of funding. This type of research is well worth the effort and can drastically reduce the overall costs of rehabilitation.
