Going for detox and rehabilitation to a professional addiction center can be a very expensive proposition. In many instances, the cost could run into the tens of thousands for a mere 6-week stint in the rehab facility. Often times people who are suffering from addictions have lost their jobs and do not have any money. Because there is no job or no money to pay for it, this usually means there is no health insurance either to fall back on. So, this scenario creates the perfect storm in someone’s unreasonable, addicted mind–that there is no way out of the spiral and cycle of addiction, no one is there to help, so I might as well continue to abuse my drug of choice until I die. Well, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. There are many charities and private non-profit groups that might help with the cost of rehab. There are also government programs. One option is paying for rehab with Medicaid or Medicare.
Medicaid and Medicare are government-funded health insurance programs. Medicare is run through the Federal government and Medicaid is run through the states, although it is also partially funded by Federal dollars, as well. If you qualify for either of the programs, they can offer free or low-cost rehab treatment options.
Medicaid is a government-funded insurance program that is supposed to help low-income families and individuals as well as other people who suffer from certain types of disabilities. When Congress passed and President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) in 2010, this law required that all insurance companies have to pay for basic drug and alcohol treatment, including rehab facilities. Medicaid covers all forms of drug and alcohol abuse treatment; however, not all rehab centers accept Medicaid for payment. Some private rehab facilities do not allow patients to pay with Medicaid or Medicare. Many of those places would only accept cash payments or payments from private health insurance companies. The reason for this is that if a facility accepts the payments from Medicaid or Medicare, then they will be subject to the government’s terms, regulations and conditions. And one of those conditions is that the amount of money they will pay is regulated at a lower amount than a private pay scenario. If you are on Medicaid, the only issue will be to find a rehabilitation facility that accepts that for payment, but there are many throughout the country.
Medicare is similar to Medicaid but it covers anyone who is over 65 years old or anyone that has a disability. It is also similar in that it covers most forms of substance abuse treatment at all levels including:
- Screenings
- Intervention
- Medications that help fight addiction
- Counseling and different forms of addiction therapy
- Inpatient and long-term residential treatment
- Outpatient visits
So, if your inability to pay for rehab out of pocket or via health insurance prevents you from getting the help you need, don’t lose hope. Look into getting approved and paying for rehab with Medicaid or Medicare.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
