What Options are Available when Affording Drug and Alcohol Treatment?

When a patient finally enters a drug rehab center, they have already traveled a long and tiresome road. Most addicts don’t make the decision to seek treatment on their own; instead, they come to an agreement with their family that they will get the help they need. Unfortunately, there are more obstacles to cross than just getting the addict to agree to go to holistic drug rehab. Paying for treatment is difficult or impossible in some situations and can make private, professional treatment seem out of reach.

What if I Don’t Have Medical Insurance?

The most common circumstance that our patients face is that they simply don’t have insurance. By the time an individual is ready and willing to seek treatment; they have already lost their jobs and have no insurance to rely on. If you’re faced with a situation like this, you may feel that you have little available to you besides state and government-funded treatment. Even though these inpatient drug and alcohol treatment centers exist, they have long waiting lists, are available for low-income individuals, and reserved for those already in the system.

Fortunately, inpatient treatment doesn’t have to be unattainable. There are residential treatment centers that offer affordable, low-cost programs without sacrificing the quality and integrity of the treatment. These same facilities arrange payment schedules, have reduced fees, and accept financing from such organizations as Medical Financing and Clark Behavioral Health Financing.

If you don’t have insurance, your first step is to call the alcohol and drug rehab center directly and see what options are available. Contrary to popular belief, it’s actually easier to work with a private drug rehab center as opposed to a public one, as you’ll have more options and a better direction as to how to make holistic drug rehab achievable.

I Have Medical Insurance. What does it Cover?

There are some patients who are fortunate enough to have insurance, whether it is from their spouse, their parents, or in rare situations, themselves. We have seen more young adults who are able to seek treatment thanks to Under the Affordable Care Act, where parents can ensure their children until they are the age of 26. Obviously, having insurance opens up more possibilities, but there are still factors to be aware of.

If you have insurance, the first call you should make is to your insurance company. They can tell you what type of treatment your plan covers. Some insurance policies cover all types of residential drug treatment, whether it is inpatient or outpatient, luxury or traditional. However, this is rare.

Most insurance policies have limitations on their coverage and may only cover either outpatient or inpatient treatment. They may also only cover inpatient stays up to a certain length, leaving patients with only a portion of their stay paid for. In addition, deductibles still apply during drug abuse rehab, which means you’ll be responsible for co-pays and the cost of medication. Getting the details of your particular policy is essential so that you know
exactly what is covered.

Insurance providers can also be a source of support when finding treatment centers for drug abuse. They can recommend a good program in the area you’re looking for and also suggest programs that are covered by the policy. When you call the drug and alcohol treatment center, be sure to let them know what insurance company you have. Fortunately, most drug rehab programs have aligned themselves with popular insurance carriers, making treatment affordable and attainable for the average person.

The Initial Cost of Treatment Far Outweighs the Long-Term Cost of Addiction

With or without insurance, private drug rehab programs are not free. The treatment still costs money, and inpatient care is always more expensive since it includes the cost of food and lodging. However, the cost of rehab should never stand in the way of obtaining treatment. Drug and alcohol addictions are not free, either, and lead addicts and their families to financial ruins. When the addict can no longer support their addiction, they turn to steal from friends and family to pay for their habit.

Drug addiction is not just a financial burden, but also an emotional and physical one. The bottom line is this: Cost should never stand in the way of getting holistic treatment for addiction. Although cost is an important factor, there are many options available, and working with the right treatment center will align you with the tools and resources you need to make treatment affordable, attainable, and within reach.