Learn How to Afford Rehab With Grants and Financial Assistance
- You can help reduce the costs of addiction rehab by choosing a suitable inpatient or outpatient program.
- Medicare and Medicaid both offer coverage for mental health and substance use treatment services.
- Some facilities offer private financing, and there may also be grants and non-profit opportunities available to you.
- Whether or not you have health insurance, you can get help covering the cost of addiction treatment.
If concerns over cost are standing in your way of seeking substance abuse treatment, it’s important to know that there are programs available that provide financial help.
Here is an overview of ways that you can cover the out-of-pocket costs associated with rehab programs and inpatient treatment.
Are you or a loved one facing addiction? The caring staff at Zinnia Health can help. Reach out to us today at our helpline by calling (855) 430-9439.
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost?
The cost of addiction treatment ranges widely depending on the type of program you enroll in and the length of your stay. For example:
- Inpatient hospitalization costs more per day than inpatient treatment at a residential facility.
- Outpatient treatment typically has the lowest price tag, since it does not include housing, transportation, or food.
- Partial hospitalization is somewhere in between, with daily appointments at various facilities.
However, cost shouldn’t be the deciding factor when choosing a treatment program. While certain types of treatment are more expensive than others, that doesn’t mean that it will cost you any more out of pocket.
Between private insurance, state coverage, and the financial aid offered by non-profits, facilities themselves, and the government, you can always afford the cost of treatment.
Understanding Your Insurance Coverage
If you have an insurance plan, the first thing you should check when considering the cost of rehabilitation programs is how much (if anything) your insurance provider will cover.
If you wish to explore your options in detail, try the following:
- Speak to your healthcare provider first to discuss your treatment options
- Get a list of outpatient services they recommend or a list of residential treatment facilities where you could receive help
- If you choose inpatient rehab, speak to someone at a residential facility and they can contact your insurance company on your behalf to discuss what coverage is available to you
- Call your insurance company directly and ask for a copy of your insurance policy so you can check your coverage limits
Substance abuse treatment programs themselves likely won’t be listed in your coverage. Instead, insurance providers will determine coverage for treatment on a service-by-service basis.
For instance, your insurer might cover therapy provided by a licensed clinical therapist but may not cover services provided by a counselor.
Financial Assistance for Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation
Maybe your insurance is going to leave you with a lot of out-of-pocket costs or perhaps you don’t have insurance coverage at all. In any case, you have multiple options for covering the cost of treatment services.
1. Financing Programs
Many treatment centers offer their own financing programs, which means that you can break the out-of-pocket cost down into monthly payments.
Depending on your custom treatment plan, they may delay the due date of your first payment until after you have completed the program, especially if you’re in an inpatient facility where you are unable to work.
If you are considering a financing program, make sure that you read the fine print and understand the total cost. For instance, if any interest is applied to the balance due, you may end up paying a lot more in the long run. Before accepting a financing offer with interest, explore all of the other options available to you.
When discussing financing programs, check to see if the facility you are speaking to is for-profit or non-profit. Non-profit facilities sometimes offer treatment at an extremely low cost or even free of charge for low-income individuals.
2. Medicare and Medicaid
Medicaid is a federal- and state-funded insurance program that certain people with a low income or with a disability qualify for. Medicaid provides free and low-cost health insurance coverage, some of which may cover mental and behavioral health services or even inpatient rehab at a hospital or licensed facility.
If you have Medicare, up to 80 percent of your inpatient treatment costs could be covered by Part A. Meanwhile, your outpatient treatment could be covered by Part B with minimal co-pays. Medicaid and other resources also exist to help cover what your insurance doesn’t.
If you qualify for Medicaid, or think you might, reach out to your local government office for more information on how to enroll and the associated plan limits. Also check your Medicare eligibility since they work together to extend each other’s benefits.
Overcoming addiction takes time and intensive support. If you’re ready to take the next step towards recovery, Zinnia Health can help. Get answers to your questions by reaching out to our staff at (855) 430-9439.
3. Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grants (SABGs)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance to help people afford treatment for substance addiction.
The block grant funds are given to the facilities themselves who can then use them to cover the cost of treatment for eligible people. Typically, SAMHSA requires the block grants to be used for specific populations, like:
- Pregnant women
- Women with dependent children
- People who inject substances
Whether or not you fall into one of these categories, it is worth asking the treatment facility you are attending about grant assistance.
Remember: SAMHSA grants do not have to be repaid. The money is gifted on your behalf to cover the cost of your treatment. However, depending on your financial situation and treatment needs, these grants may not cover 100 percent of the cost.
4. Other Financial Assistance Options
Financial support comes in many forms, but you may have to go searching for it. Other public assistance programs exist to help cover the cost of drug addiction treatment. For instance:
- The Affordable Care Act has a premium tax credit subsidy, which can help lower the cost of your insurance, allowing you to afford the coverage you need to receive treatment.
- If you are a veteran, you can apply for VA benefits. If you qualify, VA insurance will cover the cost of treatment for substance abuse along with any co-occurring disorders (like PTSD) that you may suffer from.
- Outside of traditional funding options, you may consider taking a personal loan if you have good credit, but you need to be weary of high-interest rates.
- You might also consider obtaining a loan from a family member or friend, which will likely come with more favorable terms given your personal relationship with the individual.
If you do borrow money to cover the cost of your treatment, don’t fret. The treatment process often incorporates occupational therapy and skills training to help you transition into a successful job upon completing treatment.
Let your treatment providers know if this is a goal you’re trying to attain and they can help better prepare you for long-term success and sobriety.
Choosing the Right Rehab Facility That You Can Afford
The type of treatment program you choose should depend entirely on your goals and preferences and not on the cost of treatment. However, if you’re relying on insurance policies to cover some or all of your treatment expenses, you will need to make sure that the facility you choose accepts your insurance provider.
Likewise, if you are hoping to receive a SAMSHA grant, you will need to choose a rehab center that receives SAMSHA funding.
Addiction recovery is challenging on its own. You shouldn’t have to worry about covering the expenses associated with your care until you’re back on your feet. Fortunately, hospitals will never turn away patients no matter their ability to pay, so if you’re in an emergency situation, do not hesitate to go for help.
Hotlines are available to guide you through your options and help you find a treatment center that will meet all of your needs. All you need to do is take the first step and ask.
If you need help navigating the financial complexities of substance use disorder treatment, you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to a recovery specialist at Zinnia Health for answers to your questions. Our helpline is open 24/7. Just dial (855) 430-9439 for more information.