People who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse and addiction often feel recovery is out of reach. In addition to the internal challenges people face that can make the prospect of staying clean and sober impossible, there are also perceived logistical challenges. In some cases, an individual may want to undergo rehabilitation but are reluctant to inquire about programs due to concerns about financial costs. Private detox centers and rehab facilities can be very expensive. Fortunately, there are public resources available to help people begin their life of recovery from drug or alcohol addiction even if the individual does not have insurance.
While there are some treatment centers that would refuse treatment to individuals who do not have insurance or funding to pay for their treatment, most detox facilities would make an effort to connect the individual with other resources that may be more helpful. Therefore, people who struggle with substance abuse or addiction should not feel discouraged from reaching out to a facility if they are uncertain of the extent of their insurance coverage. Nevertheless, it is always best to contact the insurance provider first to determine which detox programs, services, and treatment centers are covered by the individual’s insurance carrier.
Detox Center Payment Plans
Some detox and treatment facilities allow clients to utilize an in-house payment plan to cover the costs of treatment. These plans may or may not require credit approval. Many are at the complete discretion of the treatment center; therefore, people who have bad or no credit should not feel discouraged from inquiring. Payments may even be deducted from an account automatically or scheduled on a graduated basis to increase over time after the individual is able to return to work and afford larger payments. Treatment centers generally work very closely with the individual to tailor their treatment plan to match the individual’s financial situation.
Affordable Care Act
Despite the perceived controversy, the Affordable Care Act has bridged a gap in healthcare coverage that allows many people who struggle with substance abuse or addiction to have sufficient insurance to receive treatment. As a result, the ACA has become an increasingly popular way alcohol and drug treatment center clients are opting to use to pay for their treatments at detox and rehab centers. Not only did the ACA remove addiction from the list of preexisting conditions insurance companies have previously utilized to deny coverage, but people are able to qualify for tax credits to help lower the cost of their insurance premiums. The Affordable Health Care exchange allows people to purchase insurance coverage that includes addiction evaluation, brief intervention, addiction treatment medication, clinical visits, drug and alcohol testing, home health visits, and family counseling. Plans on the exchange also cover onsite services like detox.
State-Funded Alcohol and Drug Detox Centers
Most states provide funding for drug and alcohol rehabilitation services that are available to people who do not have the personal funding or insurance coverage to afford a private program. Individuals who would like to receive treatment are typically required to prove their income and lack of insurance coverage. They may also be required to prove they have an addiction or otherwise need intervention.
Non-Profit Detox and Rehab Centers
Some non-profit organizations offer substance abuse detox and rehab programs free of charge. Each organization has its own admission process. Non-profits may also offer additional resources for financial support, spiritual counseling, community service, housing, and employment assistance, depending on the needs of the population the organization serves.
Alternative Payment Methods
People who are underinsured may also take advantage of several other means of covering the cost of detox and rehabilitation. Certain companies offer specialized loans or credit cards that are designed to be used for health-related expenses, including alcohol and drug addiction treatment services. Traditional personal loans and credit cards are also an option for individuals who are in a financial situation that allows them to utilize credit and make timely payments. People who own a home may be able to take out a home equity loan to cover their detox and treatment services.
Millions of people can relate to being underinsured. The good news is alcohol and drug detox programs offer an array of options to make access to treatment more affordable. If you are looking for program options to help you get clean and sober, call us at 844-639-8371. We will work with you to find a detox program that will accept you and work with your financial situation.