How do I pay?

Rehab can be an expensive process. The cost will vary depending on the amount of care required. Residual treatment programs offer the most comprehensive care but are also the most expensive. Outpatient centers are lower cost but do not provide as many treatment options.

Regardless of insurance status, there are many different ways to cover the cost of rehab. Please reach out to a professional if you have questions.

Paying for rehab with insurance

Most private health insurance plans will cover a large portion of rehab costs. Some plans will cover the cost in full. It is important to understand how your insurance provider will help pay for your rehab treatment.

Furthermore, the treatment centers themselves will handle a lot fo these issues. They can contact your provider and figure out how many treatment days and which services are covered by your plan.

The Affordable Care Act

Under the ACA, patients are no longer penalized for having a pre-existing health condition. This opens a large number of doors for people struggling with addiction problems to find healthcare plans. Drug and alcohol problems are listed under the 10 required health coverages that make up the ACA. This means all policies on the exchanges will cover addiction and mental health diseases with the same coverage as typical medical problems. The plans will vary in their coverage. They will range from 60 percent to 90 percent cost coverage. Make sure you understand how much is covered before signing up for a plan.

Medicare and Medicaid

To be eligible for government options, you have to meet certain age and income requirements. These are federal and state-run plans that will cover portions of rehab costs depending on the disorder and individual. These programs are most generous when covering alcohol addiction problems. Each program has different criteria that must be met for eligibility.

Medicaid requirements: Under 18, Over 65, pregnant, or under a certain income level

Medicare requirements: Over 65 or disabled.

Private Funding

The cost of rehab can be overwhelming even with financial coverage. Depending on the type of treatment and overall length of stay, the cost can be back-breaking for certain families. Therefore, it can be helpful to consider private financing options for your addiction treatment. If the person is both uninsured and cannot qualify for government assistance, some addiction treatment centers will offer scholarships to help finance the treatment. It is important to talk to admissions representatives for help with paying for your treatment.

If this is not an option, consider negotiating for a gradual payment plan. This can help spread the cost out over several weeks or months after discharge. This can lessen the immediate financial impact the treatment will cause. This agreement can also be arranged through third party lenders who can set up a loan package.

Consider using savings, IRAs, or 401(k) plans to help pay for the treatment process. While this is not ideal, remember that getting better is the most important step in your life. Home equity loans are options as well.

Other options include asking family and friends to help pay for your help. Crowdfunding options have been successful as well.

SAMHSA Grants

There are federal grants available that release block funding for specific people in the population. These criteria include pregnant women, post-partum women, and IV drug users.

Funding an addiction treatment is always possible. Consider talking to professionals for help funding your treatment.