Paying for rehab can seem intimidating, but it doesn't have to be! There are many options to help you cover the cost of treatment, with or without insurance. Your recovery is worth a lot more than a price tag, don't let cost stop you from getting help.
If you desperately need to go to rehab for drug or alcohol addiction but don’t have health insurance, there are coverage and financing options available to help you cover the cost of treatment.
Addiction is a lifelong, chronic illness that affects the mind, body, and spirit, and it can cause serious health risks in a person’s life. Substance abuse is a life-threatening condition that carries serious risks ranging from overdose to relationship problems or losing your job. Even without health insurance, the cost of rehab should not deter you from getting the help you need.
If you’re battling addiction, you may feel unsure of how to pay for rehab without insurance, but you’re not alone. In fact, according to the Surgeon General, 1 in 7 people in the United States, or 14.6% of the population, will struggle with a substance use disorder at some point in their lives.1 Luckily, addiction is treatable, and there are ways to finance drug or alcohol rehab even without health insurance coverage. It’s important that remember how serious addiction is—don’t wait until you reach rock bottom to get help.
In 2015, an estimated 21.7 million people (1 in 12) over the age of 12 needed treatment for drug or alcohol abuse in the U.S. However, only about 2.3 million people received treatment.2 If you’ve had trouble getting insurance coverage or financing for drug or alcohol rehab, read on to learn how to access resources that can help you start a life in recovery.
Keep in mind that all of these options take a little bit of work and you will be required to take action along the way.
How to Pay for Treatment with Private Insurance
The most common way to pay for drug addiction treatment is through a private health insurance policy. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, which guarantees coverage for substance abuse treatment to the same extent as other medical treatments, almost all private policies will pay for some form of rehab. Understanding what your plan will cover can be difficult, which is why we always suggest calling your insurance provider first and asking what your coverage is for substance abuse.
Most coverage will vary depending on the type of policy you have: HMO, EOS, EPO or PPO. For more information or to find out if your plan will cover the cost of drug treatment contact us today to speak to one of our treatment consultant specialists about the variety of options out there for treating a drug and/or alcohol addiction.
Financing Options for Drug & Alcohol Treatment
For many people struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, paying for rehab without health insurance is one of the biggest barriers preventing them from seeking treatment. Thinking about how to pay for rehab can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to get care even if you choose not to enroll in insurance. Remember, an investment in drug rehab is one of the best decisions you can make for your recovery and for your future.
Loans & Credit Options
There are several financial institutions that specialize in providing loans or credit for healthcare-related issues such as substance abuse treatment. Healthcare loans usually have lower interest rates and are flexible enough to cover the entire cost of your addiction treatment.
The loan amount you qualify for will vary depending on your credit. Having your finances in order before picking a treatment center will help you feel ready to enter treatment. Though not an exhaustive list, here are a few examples of companies that provide financial options to people in need of rehab treatment.
My Treatment Lender
My Treatment Lender offers loans for substance abuse treatment. Loans range from $500 to $100,000 depending on the status of your credit. Visit their website for more information and to apply for a loan online. You can also call their customer service line at 1-800-440-4616.
Prosper provides healthcare financing with low interest rates and fixed monthly payments to help you pay for treatment. Visit their website or call their customer service line at 1-800-625-7412 for more information.
LightStream offers medical financing options. Depending on your credit, you may be eligible for a medical loan between $10,000 and $24,999. Visit their website for a convenient calculator of what your monthly payments may be.
Freedom Consultancy provides financing programs for treatment services through a network of registered service providers. Contact them through their website or at 1-801-938-3605.
You can also contact your current financial institution that you use for your day-to-day banking to see what loan options they have available. Or, if you have friends or family who are willing and able, you might consider asking them for a personal loan and pay them back on mutually agreed terms.
Another way to pay for rehab without insurance—or to pay for costs not covered by your insurance, such as copays or deductibles—is to apply for a low-interest credit card and pay back the balance as you can. Here are a few credit companies that specialize in healthcare financing:
CareCredit
CareCredit offers options to help you pay for treatment. Visit their website for more information and to apply online.
AccessOne Credit offers flexible loans to help you pay for your healthcare costs. You can call 1-888-458-6272 to speak to a patient advocate or visit their website for more information.
United Medical Credit offers loans up to $25,000 for healthcare expenses, some with interest-free financing. Start an application by visiting their website.
As addiction treatment becomes more broadly recognized as a necessary healthcare service, more scholarship programs are being offered to help people go to rehab without insurance or financial hardship. Below are just a few scholarship options—check to see if you're eligible to apply.
10,000 Beds Scholarship Program
10,000 Beds Scholarship Program is a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to cover the cost of treatment at participating centers. Their application process is easy and includes 25 questions. Apply here.
Sobriety Foundation is a foundation that helps those struggling with substance abuse get the care they need. Submit an application through their online portal.
If you don't have health insurance, and poor credit or other obstacles are preventing you from obtaining financing, harness the power of social media to raise funds. If you feel comfortable sharing your story, you can create a campaign to raise money for treatment costs. You might be surprised by how much your friends, family, and the recovery community will contribute. Get started by using a platform such as:
As you research addiction treatment facilities, talk about your financial needs up front and ask if they offer sliding scale costs, so fees would be based on your insurance coverage and ability to pay. Also ask if they offer financing options, such as lower monthly payments vs. having costs due up front. Don't be nervous to ask—most facilities are flexible and will work with you to make your treatment goals a reality.
Addiction treatment can save your life. If you need help for a behavioral, drug, or alcohol addiction, don't let lack of insurance or finances stand in the way. Give us a call at 1-877-490-4739
Who Answers?
today. One of our treatment advisors can help you find the best treatment center to meet your needs.
Paying for Rehab with Public Insurance
Even with the financing options described above, getting into rehab without insurance can be difficult. Public insurance programs are available for this very reason. You can sign up for health insurance today and gain access to more treatment facilities and payment options. Read below for more information on how to check your eligibility and enroll in coverage.
What Exactly is Medicaid?
Medicaid is the largest healthcare insurance program in the country.3 It is a joint federal and state program that provides free or low-cost insurance coverage to low-income applicants who are:4
65 or older.
19 or younger.
Pregnant.
Disabled.
Caring for a child.
Under the Affordable Care Act, eligibility for Medicaid coverage has expanded to include other groups and income levels, depending on your state. If you applied for Medicaid coverage prior to 2010 or in a different state and were turned down, consider re-applying based on the expanded coverage now available.
Question: Does Medicaid cover substance abuse treatment?
Answer: Yes. Every state is different, but they all cover behavioral health services for people with substance use disorders. To find out what your state covers, you can call your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office or visit Medicaid.gov.
Not all rehab facilities accept Medicaid. To find a treatment center that takes Medicaid, check out SAMHSA's Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator tool.
How to Enroll:
Apply online for Medicaid by visiting Healthcare.gov or Medicaid.gov and filling out the application. To see if you qualify for Medicaid based on income alone, visit this page.
There is no limited enrollment period for Medicaid. If you qualify, your coverage will be effective either on the date of application or the first day of the month of you applied.
What is the Medicare Program?
Medicare is a federal insurance program that provides coverage for people who are:
65 or older.
Of any age and living with certain disabilities.
Of any age and living with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).
Medicare benefits include 4 parts:
Part A is hospital coverage.
Part B is general medical coverage.
Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage and is a different path to receiving the coverage provided in parts A and B.
Part D is prescription drug coverage.
For more information and a comprehensive overview of Medicare, check out this video.
How to Enroll:
If you think you qualify for Medicare, apply online at Medicare.gov. The process is easy and can be done from the comfort of your own home. Check out this easy-to-read guide on how to sign up for Medicare in less than 10 minutes.
The Medicare program has enrollment periods for new applicants. People usually sign up during the initial enrollment period, which is around their 65th birthday. Below is a list of open enrollment dates:
Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): The IEP begins 3 months before your 65th birthday and lasts until 3 months after you turn 65. If you have been receiving Social Security benefits for more than 2 years, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare.
General Enrollment Period (GEP): If you missed the IEP, you can enroll in the GEP Jan. 1–March 31 every year. If you enroll during this time, your Medicare coverage begins July 1.
Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP): Qualifying life events (QLEs) allow you to enroll in Medicare or change your plan outside of the annual GEP. Examples of QLEs include, but are not limited to5:
Moving
Losing your current coverage
Adding or dropping other coverage
Changing your Medicare plan
Medicare Open Enrollment: Once you choose a plan you do not have to stay with it forever; you can make changes to your Medicare coverage as your health changes. Open enrollment occurs every year from Oct. 15–Dec. 7, and you can change plans during this time.
Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment: At any time during the year, you can add supplemental insurance to your plan if you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. Supplemental insurance can help you pay for costs that Parts A and B don't cover.
So, what's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid, and the health insurance marketplaces (or “exchanges”) established under the Affordable Care Act? Check out this comparison graph.
Addiction Treatment & the Affordable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act (ACA, frequently referred to as “ObamaCare”) was signed into law in 2010. It expanded Medicaid coverage and established affordable health insurance marketplaces for people who don't have other means of obtaining insurance, such as private insurance through their employer, or public insurance through Medicare or Medicaid.
The ACA was a major victory for people struggling with addiction because it requires all insurance policies sold via the marketplace to cover substance abuse and mental health treatment. For more information about the specific coverage required, visit the HealthCare.gov Mental Health & Substance Abuse Coverage site.
The current expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act extended coverage for substance abuse treatment to 1.29 million low-income Americans who struggle with addiction.11
Apply for health insurance through your state's exchange by visiting Healthcare.gov. The application process takes roughly 15 minutes. Once approved, enroll in a plan that meets your treatment needs and financial situation. If you enroll before the 15th of the month, your coverage will start on the 1st of the next month. Get started on your application today.
There are yearly open enrollment periods to apply for coverage through the insurance marketplace. If you miss open enrollment, you may be able to qualify for special enrollment. Qualifying life events include:
Moving.
Losing insurance coverage.
Getting married, divorced, or having a baby.
Leaving jail.
For a full list of events that qualify you for special enrollment, click here.
Your Recovery is Worth Fighting For. We'll Help You.
State-funded rehab programs are facilities that receive government grants or subsidies to run treatment programs, often in connection with jails or the court system for providing court-ordered addiction treatment. Because of limited funding, these facilities typically do not provide the same amenities (private rooms, lower staff-to-client ratios, innovative treatment approaches) as you'll find in private centers. Try not to write these off—if you need treatment and have very limited resources, state-funded facilities are an option you should consider.
Don't be discouraged if you call to enroll in a state-run facility, only to find that they are full. Many people seek treatment here because they can't afford private treatment. Most state-funded facilities can put you on a waitlist if they are full. Although this is not ideal when you are geared up and ready to enroll in treatment, it's better than nothing. Plus, you never know how quickly a bed can open up. As long as you're on the waitlist, there is hope that you will get into treatment soon.
To find state-funded treatment centers in your state, check out SAMHSA's Directory of Single State Agencies (SSAs) for Substance Abuse Services.
Just because you're on a waitlist for formal treatment doesn't mean you can't seek out 12-step programs or other recovery groups in your community. Here you'll find connections and support. In fact, you may find people who work at treatment facilities in the area, or who know of other places that can help you. Staying engaged with other people in recovery will help keep you stable until you get admitted into treatment.
Call a Substance Abuse Helpline
These helplines provide free and confidential support services—no insurance required. If you are looking for more information on how to move forward with treatment, or just want to talk to someone who knows what you're going through, these helplines can be a great place to start.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) operates a National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). The helpline is open 24 hours a day and offers assistance in English and Spanish. In addition, SAMHSA's behavioral health treatment services locator provides an online search of substance abuse and mental health treatment programs in the U.S.
The Alcohol and Drug Helpline can help you find a treatment center regardless of insurance coverage, income level, or age. Reach them 24 hours a day by calling 1-206-722-3700.
Boys Town National Hotline is a resource for teens, families, and parents. Representatives are trained counselors and are available 24 hours a day at 1-800-448-3000. Counselors can offer assistance in English and Spanish and may help refer you to a treatment center.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is an excellent resource for free, confidential support and resources. Reach them 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255.
The National Runaway Safe Line provides support in crisis counseling. The Safe Line can be reached at 1-800-RUNAWAY.
Other Resources
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Are you worried about losing your job for seeking help for substance abuse treatment? According to non-discrimination laws, people who are battling an addiction are considered to have a disability and are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA and the Rehabilitation Act protect employees from getting fired for seeking treatment.12
The Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (PAARI): This nonprofit organization helps people find rehab treatment. If you struggle with drug or alcohol abuse, and you ask a participating police department for help, they will take you to the hospital and/or treatment program instead of arresting you. Participating departments are listed on this page and can help you get adequate treatment.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): In most cases, if you are receiving SSI, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid coverage. When you apply for SSI you also apply for Medicaid. For more information on SSI and Medicaid coverage, visit the official SSI/Medicaid website.
Sources
Surgeon General's Report. (2016). Facing Addiction in America.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015). Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
The Kaiser Family Foundation. (2013). Medicaid: A Key Information on the Nation's Health Coverage Program for Low-Income People.
U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2015). What's Medicare.
U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Special circumstances.
U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Health Insurance Marketplace.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2014). Who is eligible for Medicaid?
U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2016). Medicare & Your Mental Health Benefits.
Kaiser Family Foundation. (2017). Medicaid's Role in Addressing the Opioid Epidemic.
U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Mental health & substance abuse coverage.
Mental Health First Aid National Council. (2016). Americans with Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorders: The Single Largest Beneficiaries of the Medicaid Expansion.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Know Your Rights.15. Social Security Administration. (n.d.). Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Eligibility for Other Government and State Programs.
For those seeking addiction treatment for themselves or a loved one, the AddictionCulture.com helpline is a private and convenient solution.
Calls to any general helpline (non-facility specific 1-8XX numbers) for your visit will be answered by American Addiction Centers (AAC).
We are standing by 24/7 to discuss your treatment options. Our representatives work solely for AAC and will discuss whether an AAC facility may be an option for you.
Our helpline is offered at no cost to you and with no obligation to enter into treatment. Neither AddictionCulture.com nor AAC receives any commission or other fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a visitor may ultimately choose.
For more information on AAC’s commitment to ethical marketing and treatment practices, or to learn more about how to select a treatment provider, visit our About AAC page.
If you wish to explore additional treatment options or connect with a specific rehab center, you can browse top-rated listings, or visit SAMHSA.
