Over 20.4 million Americans had an active addiction in 2019—yet only 4.2 million were treated. Many people are under the impression that rehabilitation services are unaffordable and out of reach. This is not the case! Afford rehab today!
There are many programs designed with you in mind with payment structures that fit any budget. In the end, you cannot truly put a price on your recovery and the healing journey you need to get your life back. Here is everything you need to know about how to afford rehab:
Begin Researching the Rehab You Need
In order to begin your recovery process, you must find the right rehabilitation program for you. Whether you have a drug or alcohol addiction will determine which rehab center will benefit you the most.
Use the internet, ask friends or loved ones who may have been through rehab, or reach out to a local support group for some direction. After you locate the right program for you, it is on to the next step: finding out how much it will cost.
How Much Does Rehab Cost?
The cost of rehab depends on several factors based on the individual needs of the patient, their process, and their addiction:
- Length of stay needed
- Type of treatment
- Level of care required
- Type of rehab facility
- Specific amenities offered
- Substance of abuse
The cost of addiction treatment is also determined by the type of rehabilitation program you join. You have the choice of two types of addiction treatment programs: inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient rehab (or residential treatment) is typically the most expensive of the two types of rehab. It also requires you to essentially “move in” to the facility full-time during the course of your treatment. You will be taking a reprieve from your daily life.
Inpatient rehab is highly intensive and cuts distractions from the outside world. You are immersed in 24/7 healing practices to save your life. Inpatient is typically for people with severe addictions, offering day-and-night medical support as you detox and recover.
Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient treatment and partial hospitalization offers more flexibility as you go through your recovery process. This form of rehab is generally for less severe addictions and allows you to maintain a normal lifestyle and rejoin with family members. The support is offered in the form of social groups with others who relate to your situation.
Outpatient is more affordable and allows you to return home after your recovery sessions have been completed for the day. The schedules usually require 10 to 12 hours a week at the rehab facility.
Both forms of rehab are effective and can help you get and stay sober. One has not been shown to be more effective than the other according to studies conducted.
Paying for Rehab
Some people opt out of entering rehab due to the high costs or lack of insurance, but, to make recovery affordable, there are payment and treatment options for you to consider.
Private Insurance
Several major healthcare companies exist that provide rehabilitation coverage:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
- Aetna
- Kaiser Permanente
- Humana
The coverage depends on your specific policy and the level of care you require. However, several things may factor into your eligibility for rehab coverage:
- Type of treatment
- Location of rehab facility
- Insurance plan type
- Level of care required
- Medications needed
You can contact your healthcare insurance provider directly to find out more information about your specific policy.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA)
The ACA offers both mental health care and substance use disorder services. Although all forms of rehab treatments may not be covered by the ACA, substance abuse treatment and mental health services are available at the same level as surgical and medical measures.
Drug Rehab Financing
Many treatment centers offer rehab financing, and there are many good reasons to consider financing your recovery through these programs:
- You want to attend a rehab facility that does not accept insurance
- You want to attend an out-of-network center
- You want to pay your copayments in smaller payments
Paying for rehab through financing allows you to choose the facility that best fits your rehabilitation needs. Your comfort at the facility is of the utmost importance so financing is a great option when payment plans are offered that can fit your specific budget.
Remember that not all rehab centers offer financing options, so, before you choose, discuss their specific payment arrangements.
Medicare and Medicaid
If you do not have insurance, you may be eligible to use Medicare or Medicaid to cover the expenses. Medicare is a federal insurance program that can cover the costs of rehab if you meet specific criteria of being disabled or over the age of 65.
Medicaid is a local government and state-funded program and varies state by state. The health coverage is offered to low-income people and is based on income and family size alone. Any age can be eligible for healthcare assistance through Medicaid.
Both options may provide you with the medical coverage you need to attend rehab.
Home Loans
If insurance coverage is not available to you to cover your rehab costs, getting a home equity loan may be another option. Banks may be more inclined to provide you with a home equity loan due to the home being used as collateral. There is less risk to them, and, therefore, your odds of receiving a home equity loan are higher. The loan will also carry a lower interest rate versus other loans and credit cards.
Credit Cards
Using your credit cards as a means of financing care can be useful. The interest rates can be high, but, if your options are limited, they can be life-saving. If you have good credit, apply for a new card with a low introductory rate, so that you can finance your recovery without paying interest.
Family and Friends
If you do not have insurance coverage or qualify for other forms of financial assistance, asking your friends and family for a loan is another viable option. Be sure to state what the loan is being used for and ensure a payment plan for their contribution to your healing journey.
Friends and family may be hesitant at first, but focus on showing genuine concern for yourself and your wish to become sober. You can share that they can pay the treatment center directly to alleviate fear.
Selling Asset and Possessions
Many people who struggle with addiction offer their belongings to fund their addiction. In contrast, this same method can be used to help pay for rehab. If you have jewelry, appliances, TVs, or other assets, you can garner cash for their sale.
Selling your possessions may be a better option to ensure lesser debt once you have completed rehabilitation treatment. You can focus on long-term sobriety instead of the stress of dealing with incurred debt and how to pay it off.
Scholarships and Grants
Some rehab centers offer scholarship programs. These programs permit you to attend rehab at a lower cost through scholarships and grants:
- Partial scholarships
- Full scholarships
- Block grants
In every state, block grants are offered through the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Program. They are used to fund high-risk substance abusers and for alcohol addiction treatment.
Partial and full scholarships can be used in conjunction with private insurance. The amount for each is dependent on the unique situation, the treatment facility, and the availability of funds.
Qualification
Not everyone will qualify for scholarships and grants to fund their rehab treatment. Scholarships are offered to patients who are unable to otherwise pay for their addiction treatment services.
Qualifying patients must have attempted to receive funding from all other sources to no avail. They must also be willing participants in the rehabilitation process and commit to their recovery.
Do You Need Addiction Treatment?
There is help to get you through the hard times and back into your life. You can reclaim your life with the proper treatment at the hands of caring specialists. A reputable rehabilitation center can give you peace of mind and help stop your suffering from substance abuse.
