Paying for addiction treatment doesn’t have to be a barrier to care. On the contrary, today, there are several methods of payment available to help individuals receive the treatment they need. If you’re looking for help with addiction treatment costs, here are some of the most common methods of payment to consider.
Private Health Insurance Paying for Addiction Treatment
Most people have access to private health insurance through their employer or a family member’s employer. In many cases, private health insurance plans cover some or all of the costs associated with addiction treatment.
The Affordable Care Act now makes it mandatory that all health plans cover health costs related to:
- Behavioral health treatment, including psychotherapy and counseling
- Mental and behavioral health inpatient treatment
- Substance abuse treatment
However, while this type of coverage is mandatory, it can vary depending on the specific plan and provider. If you have private health insurance, it’s important to check with your insurance company to determine what is covered under your plan.
If you find a sober living facility, inpatient treatment program, outpatient treatment program, or other addiction treatment service that is out of network, you may still be able to use your insurance to cover some of the costs. It’s important to ask about out-of-network benefits and any potential deductibles or copayments.
Government Assistance for Addiction Treatment
In addition to private health insurance coverage, there are also government assistance programs available to help individuals pay for addiction treatment. Both Medicaid and Medicare provide coverage for substance abuse treatment, although eligibility requirements may vary by state and income level.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families. Each state has its own guidelines for eligibility, but all states must cover addiction treatment services as part of their Medicaid plans. This is a great option for people who are low-income or unemployed and may not have other ways of paying for addiction treatment.
Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 and older, as well as younger people with certain disabilities or those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, including mental health services and substance abuse treatment. In addition to inpatient treatment, Medicare can also help pay for:
- Outpatient treatment
- Alcohol and depression screenings
- Partial hospitalization
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
If you have not enrolled in either Medicare or Medicaid, you might be able to apply and get benefits right away. Speak to a social worker, healthcare provider, or your state’s Medicaid office to get more information. Once enrolled, you’ll be glad to know that most addiction treatment programs accept Medicaid and Medicare as payment.
Other Options for Paying for Addiction Treatment
If you do not have private health insurance or government assistance programs available to you, there are still other options for paying for addiction treatment. These include the following.
Sliding Scale Programs
Some low-income addiction treatment centers offer a sliding-scale payment system, which means that the cost of treatment is based on your income. This can significantly reduce your financial burden when seeking treatment. Ask the facility or program about their payment options before enrolling.
Payment Plans
Many addiction treatment facilities may offer payment plans for those who cannot afford to pay the full cost upfront. These plans allow you to make smaller monthly payments over time until the total cost is covered.
Grants and Scholarships
There are also grants and scholarships available specifically for addiction treatment. These can be offered by government organizations, private foundations, or even individual treatment centers. It’s worth researching these options and seeing if you qualify for any assistance.
TriCare and VACCN
VACCN, or the Department of Veterans Affairs Community Care Network, is a program that provides addiction treatment services to veterans. TriCare, on the other hand, is a health insurance program for active duty and retired military personnel and their families. Both of these programs may cover the cost of addiction treatment for veterans and active-duty members who qualify.
Don’t Deny Yourself Care – Enroll in Addiction Treatment
No matter your financial situation, it’s crucial not to deny yourself the care you need for addiction. If you are struggling to pay for treatment, call us today at Ray Recovery. We offer partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment in Hudson, OH and the surrounding areas.
We know it can be challenging to take that first step, but we are here to help guide you through the process and find payment options that work for you. We currently accept various health insurance plans, as well as offer scholarships for those in need. Don’t let financial barriers stop you from getting the help you deserve, and invest in your recovery and future today.