Healthcare costs continue to rise, like a relentless tide. Every attempt to balance the high cost of rehab with your earnings can feel like an unending tunnel of financial uncertainty. You may even be tempted to shove your needs for treatment aside but addiction treatment remains an indispensable need, not a luxury.
It sure can be overwhelming which then begs the question of possible solutions when one can’t afford treatment. In this blog, you will learn about the different financial solutions open to people struggling with the cost of rehab. This includes options like insurance and state-funded programs.
The Cost of Rehab
There are several factors that contribute to the cost of rehab. The different treatment programs attract varying levels of cost. Inpatient programs, for instance, would be more expensive than outpatient programs.
The duration of the program also plays a part. Longer programs naturally cost more than the shorter ones. Aside from these, the location and kind of amenities available also affect the pricing.
Nonetheless, untreated addiction can have a significant impact on one’s life and so treatment cannot be avoided. Potential consequences include deteriorating health, damaged relationships, unemployment, and legal issues, such as those arising from illegal drug possession.
Exploring Insurance Options
Health insurance such as Medi-Cal can serve as a strong buffer for the expensive costs of addiction treatment. Here’s how you can utilize these plans to cover for your addiction treatment:
Medi-Cal
This is a government funded program that offers comprehensive cost coverage for substance abuse treatment. It covers treatments like inpatient detox, outpatient programs, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and counseling. The coverage package may however vary based on location.
Employer-Sponsored Plans
Organizations that offer employer-sponsored health plans would have coverage for addiction treatment based on the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This would often include inpatient and outpatient treatment, mental health services, and medications.
Marketplace Plans
Your insurance plan can cover addiction treatment services if you purchase health insurance through the Health Insurance marketplace. The details of the coverage plan would depend on the specific plan you purchase.
How To Check Your Insurance Benefits
To fully understand the services that will be covered under your insurance plan, you can always check your insurance benefits. To do this, you can simply call your insurance provider and request for an explanation on what your plan covers for.
You can also review your insurance plan document as it would typically contain an outline of your coverage details including mental health and substance abuse benefits.
As a last resort, you can talk to your doctor or care professional too. They can help you understand the specific treatment needs your plan covers and offer referrals to treatment facilities that suit your coverage plan.
State-Funded and Low-Cost Treatment Programs
Several states offer low-cost and even free addiction treatment programs funded by the government. These programs can be valuable for people who cannot afford the cost of other rehab programs.
There are different types of treatment programs like inpatient detox, outpatient treatment, medication-assisted therapy and counseling. The eligibility criteria varies across the different states but the most common prioritizes people who lack insurance or do not have the financial means.
To find the right program for you in your state, reach out to your state’s substance abuse agency or mental health department. You can equally search online using keywords like, “state-funded addiction treatment” and “free rehab near me” and reach out to the treatment center directly. Have in mind that the application process would involve a comprehensive assessment to determine the right treatment for you
Sliding Scale Fees and Payment Plans
Some rehab centers offer sliding scale fees. This means the cost of the treatment will be tailored to your income. This ensures the treatment is affordable for those facing financial constraints.
Aside from sliding scale fees, certain centers offer personalized payment plans, allowing patients to pay for their treatments in installments. With this option, it will be easier to fit the cost of treatment into your budget.
Grants and Scholarships for Addiction Treatment
Grants and scholarships can help lessen the financial burden of addiction treatment. They are provided by non-profit organizations and rehab centers. Usually, grants cover a portion of the treatment cost and sometimes, all of it while scholarships cover all the cost of treatment. However, scholarships tend to have specific eligibility criteria like being a veteran or falling in a specific age group.
The structure of the application process depends on the organization providing the treatment sponsorship and whether it is a grant or scholarship you are applying for. Organizations often share details on how to submit an application and the process involved.
You can find openings for grants or scholarships by surfing resources offered by organizations like SAMHSA, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or addiction treatment advocacy groups. With careful search, you will find a grant or scholarship that suits your treatment needs.
Conclusion
It’s important to explore the options available to get addiction treatment so you can work towards living freely and fully. There are several treatment centers that accept insurance and other options to help ease the cost burden.
Roots Through Recovery is one of such treatment centers that offers comprehensive treatment for alcohol addiction, drug addiction treatment, and other substance disorders. You can rebuild your life regardless of your finances. Reach out today to take the first step in your healing journey.
