How to Pay for Rehab: Understanding Your Options
Drug and alcohol abuse is a serious and complex condition that affects the people living with it and those around them. Addiction can negatively impact every aspect of a person’s life. It can damage their mental and physical health, prevent people from being good parents, employees, and friends, and can strain even the most loving relationships. Living with untreated addiction limits a person’s ability to work toward new goals, limits opportunities, and can lead to long-lasting financial and social harm.
There are many reasons to get addiction treatment, and many people who go through addiction treatment have a lifelong recovery from substance use. So, what issues keep people from getting the treatment they need?
Several factors can prevent people from getting the help they need to recover from addiction. They may be concerned about taking time away from their family or how they will keep their job. Some may not fully understand their addiction’s severity and may deny that they need professional addiction treatment. One of the most common concerns is how they will afford the treatment they require.
Addiction treatment costs vary depending on people’s needs and where they attend rehab. Initially, the cost of substance abuse treatment may seem like a burden. However, quality treatment programs allow people to recover from their addiction and lead the lives they choose for themselves.
Paying for rehab doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are many ways to pay for rehab. This guide will outline several ways to pay for the help you need.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Addiction Treatment?
No two people have the same experiences with addiction or recovery, and people’s treatment needs vary quite a bit. Several factors can affect the cost of rehab, including:
- Whether you require inpatient or outpatient treatment
- The severity of your addiction
- The length of the program
- The size and location of the facility
- The amenities and special services offered
- Whether or not you need additional medical or mental health services
Addiction treatment programs are tailored to meet each person’s unique needs, and it is nearly impossible to say how much a program will cost without considering this. Generally, inpatient care is more expensive than outpatient programs, and small facilities offering luxurious amenities may be more costly than larger facilities.
Your medical team and addiction specialists will determine the right level of care for your needs and develop a treatment plan that considers these needs.
How to Use Your Health Insurance to Pay for Rehab
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a federal law that requires private and public health insurance plans to cover all or part of the cost of addiction and mental health treatment. Your employer must also continue offering you health insurance coverage while participating in a rehab program. Knowing that you can use your health insurance to pay for rehab may help you feel more confident when deciding to get the help you need.
Before you begin treatment, you must call your insurance company to find out what services, programs, and providers your plan covers. Your treatment team will develop a plan to address your addiction’s physical, behavioral, and emotional parts. As you progress in recovery, they’ll adjust your plan and include new types of treatment and support. Throughout your time in rehab, the treatment center’s insurance specialists will work with your insurance company to ensure the treatment will be covered at the highest possible rate.
How Can I Pay for Rehab Without Health Insurance?
If you do not have health insurance, you can still get the high-quality, comprehensive addiction treatment you need. There are several ways to pay for substance abuse treatment without current healthcare coverage.
Apply for Medicare
Ask the insurance specialists at your treatment facility to assist you with signing up for Medicare. They may be able to connect you with other state programs offering health insurance if you do not meet Medicare’s eligibility requirements.
Work out a payment plan
Many rehab facilities offer sliding scale fees or payment plans. If you don’t have health insurance and must pay out of pocket, your treatment center may provide a discounted rate for the care you need. Your income will likely determine the rate you pay, or you may be allowed to make small monthly payments.
Draw from your 401(k) or home equity.
Borrowing from your 401(k) or home equity allows you to pay for the addiction treatment you need now without incurring debt.
Ask friends and family for financial support
Family members and friends are often willing to help pay for addiction treatment. Asking for financial support allows you to reduce the amount you’ll pay out of pocket and allows loved ones to offer concrete support.
If you live with substance abuse or addiction, getting treatment is essential. Don’t wait for more time to pass before getting the help you need. Contact the admissions specialists at the Mandala Healing Center to learn more about how to pay for rehab or to verify your insurance benefits.