There are many reasons why someone might put off seeking help with a substance use disorder, such as denial or fear of the stigma, but one aspect that could play an important role is cost. Depending on your insurance, where you go, and what type of treatment you receive, the price can vary widely. On average, detox ranges from $300 to $800 per day, and inpatient care can run from $2,000 to $25,000. This might sound daunting, but there is help available, and not all patients will require the most expensive care. While it is important to make sure you find an accredited, well-staffed place to recover, not everyone will need the luxury accommodations used by celebrities.
No matter how high the price might sound, treatment is cheaper than addiction long term. Consider the costs of drinking a cheap six-pack of beer every day, which will amount to about $2,000 a year. More expensive drugs like cocaine can easily cost $10,000 per year. When compared to the price of treatment, you will often come out ahead financially as well as the many other benefits of recovery. Society at large also gains from having more people in recovery, which lowers the costs of keeping people in prison. Fewer drug-related accidents and higher workplace productivity also contribute to the greater good.
Some states provide funding for treatment, recognizing that the cost is lower in the long run. In New York, for example, the state will pay for drug treatment for those convicted of minor drug offenses as an alternative to prison. This has saved the state an estimated $38 million, and expanding that program has been projected to save the state as much as $270 million per year.
Many insurance plans cover at least some of the cost of treatment. Some might have a higher premium but cover 100 percent of the cost, while others offer less coverage for a lower premium. It’s important to verify what your insurance will cover. Some treatment centers also have people on staff to help navigate insurance questions. If you qualify for Medicaid, they can also help cover part of all of the treatment costs. Under the 2010 Affordable Care Act, insurance providers (including Medicaid) must cover all basic aspects of drug and alcohol recovery. To qualify, you must be either over 65 years old, under 95 years old, pregnant, a parent, or within a certain income bracket. Depending on the recovery center you choose, Medicaid can cover all or some of the costs of screenings, detox, inpatient and outpatient treatment, and counseling. Medicare is available to anyone over the age of 65 or those with disabilities. There are four different parts that pay for various aspects of drug and alcohol treatment, so make sure you choose the one that works best for your needs.
At Asana Recovery, we understand the strength it takes to seek help, and believe that price should not keep you from recovery. We accept most insurance and have admissions counselors to help you determine what your costs will be. There are also payment plans available, depending on your particular situation. Call us today at (949) 438-4504.
