Does Insurance Cover Rehab? A Guide on How to Pay by Rehab Recovery Centers

One in seven Americans suffer from substance abuse addiction. That adds up to more than 21 million people in the United States alone.

Even so, only a mere 10% of those with addiction get treatment. Why?

Going through addiction is extremely difficult, and the cost of rehab is a big reason why people don’t go. Some rehab treatment centers can cost tens of thousands.

Are you or someone you care about suffering from addiction? Is your life or theirs slowly falling apart or in danger?

Don’t worry. There are still several ways to pay for addiction treatment and make a change for the better.

Read on to learn how to pay for rehab, and gain the answers to all of your rehab cost questions including does insurance cover rehab and more.

Does Insurance Cover Rehab? It Depends

Does insurance cover rehab? The short answer is that it depends. It depends on the type of health insurance you use and the rehab center you go to.

The good news is that when the Affordable Health Care Act (ACA) was passed, it became illegal for insurance providers to punish applicants for pre-existing conditions. That means even if you suffer from drug or alcohol abuse before applying for health insurance, you can still receive it.

The ACA also considers drug and alcohol addiction treatment essential coverage, so all ACA sponsored insurers cover at least 60% to 90% of the treatment costs.

Private Insurance

Private insurance is provided by private companies. As a result, insurance plans from these companies differ quite a bit on what they cover.

The cost of rehab under a private insurance company will depend on your plan, the rehab facility you attend, the type of treatment you need, and more.

The best way to learn about your insurance coverage is to visit your provider’s website or give them a call. You can also call rehab centers near you and ask them which insurance plans that accept.

Medicaid and Medicare Insurance

Medicaid and Medicare are insurance programs that are funded by the state and federal government.

Medicare can pay up to 80% of the cost of rehab, and covers up to 190 days of treatment in a psychiatric hospital. With medicare, you have both inpatient and outpatient treatment options. To qualify, you must be 65+ or disabled.

Medicaid has broader qualification requirements. You can qualify for Medicaid if you’re 65+, under 19, pregnant, have kids, or are considered low income. Medicaid benefits vary by state, so make sure to find out what the coverage is where you live.

Military Insurance

Military insurance in the United States is under TRICARE.

Military veterans and their families receive special insurance coverage for their time in service. Many veterans suffer from PTSD, which can lead to other issues like depression and substance abuse. For this reason, TRICARE will often pay for addiction treatment in the form of inpatient and outpatient programs.

Paying Through Rehab Center Policies

Treatment centers understand that people suffering from addiction often have a hard time paying for rehab. That’s why many have payment plans available.

Some rehab facilities have monthly payment plans with varying interest rates, while others provide the option to pay after patient discharge. Some even offer scholarships you can apply for.

Financing plans will vary from one rehab center to the next, so be sure to talk with the center’s admission staff about your options.

Use Government Programs

Other than government-funded insurance options, there are also government-funded rehab centers to make paying for rehab easy.

These rehab centers are provided at the state or local levels, and many offer the same services as any other facility including outpatient, inpatient, and aftercare programs. To attend one of these facilities, you’ll need proof of state residence and income.

Paying for Rehab With Government Grants

There are government grants you can apply for to cover the cost of rehab treatment.

One such option is the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG). This grant focuses on prevention and treatment among vulnerable populations like pregnant women or intravenous drug users.

Saving Money to Pay for Rehab

Americans aged 18-25 are the most likely to suffer from addictive drug use. It just so happens that younger adults are also less likely to have the money to pay for rehab.

Fortunately, there are several ways to start saving up money now. Stop eating out and spending money on activities like going to the movies. Sell valuables you can spare like jewelry, cars, fine art, and electronics. You can also get a second job, but this can be hard for people suffering from addiction.

Another option for raising money includes crowdsourcing. Try asking friends and family to contribute to your treatment, and have them pay the facility directly so they know where the money is going. There are also crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe and Fundly where you can raise money from the public.

Non-Profit Rehab Treatment Centers

If you’re unable to afford rehab and your insurance doesn’t cover treatment, non-profit centers can be a great option. Non-profit rehabs are cheap or entirely free.

The Salvation Army, for example, offers free rehab. Patients pay for addiction treatment and a place to stay by working full-time for the non-profit organization during treatment.

Another cheap non-profit, Teen Challenge, offers solutions to teenagers. Other options include Shatterproof, To Write Love on Her Arms, Faces and Voices of Recovery, and Gearing Up.

Consider All Rehab Center Treatment Options

When it comes down to it, the cost of rehab treatment will vary by many factors. These include your treatment type, length of stay, rehab amenities, and the state the center is located in.

You can lower the amount you have to pay for rehab by reviewing all of your options and being flexible on these factors.

Turn Your Life Around

Paying for rehab can be stressful and seem downright impossible. The truth, though, is that the cost of addiction is much higher.

Call your insurance provider today to find out how much of your treatment they will cover. If it’s not enough, consider other financing options. From government grants to non-profit rehab facilities, there’s something for everyone.

If you found this article helpful, be sure to review the addiction treatment solutions on our website.

Get Help Today

Don’t go through the process of recovery alone. There are people who can help you with the struggle you’re facing. Get in touch with one today.