Paying for Drug Rehab

Using Health Insurance to Pay for Drug Rehab

Health insurance is one of the most common ways to pay for rehab. As of 2020, approximately 74% of treatment facilities in the United States accept private insurance, and 50% accept federal or state health insurance.¹

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Marketplace insurance plans must cover 10 essential health benefits, including mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services.² Per the ACA, Marketplace insurance plans must cover:²

• Behavioral health treatment, such as counseling and psychotherapy.
• Behavioral and mental health inpatient services.
• Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.

Coverage will vary depending on your plan and the state you live in so it’s important to familiarize yourself with your policy or speak with your provider to verify what is and isn’t covered. However, all Marketplace plans include coverage for mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services to some extent, whether you have an HMO, a PPO, or another plan.²

American Addiction Centers (AAC) can answer questions about your insurance coverage and provide information on treatment options when you call . You can also check your insurance coverage in just minutes by filling out the form below.

Paying for Addiction Treatment Without Insurance

Sometimes paying for drug rehab with insurance isn’t an option. You may not have insurance, or your policy might not cover the full cost of treatment. Some people pay for treatment “out-of-pocket” or with their resources, such as savings; but this might not be realistic for everyone. Fortunately, there are other ways to pay for rehab, such as:

• Payment plans or sliding scales: Some rehab facilities offer payment plans, allowing you to pay for treatment over time rather than in a lump sum. Similarly, some rehab facilities offer sliding scales, which adjust the cost of treatment based on what you can realistically pay. You can inquire about these options by contacting the rehab facilities you’re interested in.
• Employee assistance program (EAP): If you’re employed, check if your employer offers an EAP. An EAP is a workplace benefit that offers confidential counseling, referral services, and resources to help employees address a range of issues, including substance misuse and addiction.³
• Loans: Loans, including bank loans and personal loans from family or friends, can help you cover the cost of treatment. If you take out a bank loan, opt for a low-interest rate option with realistic payback terms.
• Non-profit organizations: Research local non-profit organizations in your area. Often, these programs provide grants or scholarships to help cover the cost of treatment for individuals struggling with addiction.

State- and Government-Funded Drug Rehab Programs

State- and government-funded drug rehab programs are initiatives operated and supported by the government to make addiction treatment more accessible. These programs help people who have inadequate insurance, no insurance, or other financial constraints get the help they need. The funding that allows states to offer access to people needing addiction treatment typically comes from three sources: Federal substance use block grants, Medicaid reimbursement, and state general funds.⁷

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also receives federal funding in the form of grants, Medicaid reimbursement, and state budgets. Each state has its own budget and funding grants, meaning the amount offered to people will vary depending on state guidelines.

Free Drug Rehab Facilities

Free drug rehab programs are offered throughout the United States for people who have inadequate insurance, no insurance, or other financial constraints. These programs are often funded by charity organizations, donations, and government grants to help people get the help they need. These programs can include a range of substance use disorder (SUD) services, including detox, support groups, and therapy, in various settings, such as inpatient and outpatient.

The services and settings will vary by facility. You can look for free drug rehab facilities by contacting your local health department or helpline, reaching out to non-profit organizations, using an online directory, or researching government resources.⁸