Even since the passing of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2009, there’s been a lot of confusion about insurance coverage for drug rehab. The hope is the following information will clear things up. It’s an important issue for people who might not otherwise be able to afford the cost of getting treatment without relying on insurance as a payment option.
Based on the terms of the ACA, healthcare insures are required to cover drug treatment the same as they would any other medical condition. That’s correct. Both the medical profession and the government view addiction as an illness. Before dealing with issues related to the extent of coverage, here’s a brief list of the drug treatment costs insurers are required to cover:
- Inpatient and residential treatment
- Half-way house stays
- Partial hospitalization programs
- Certain types of therapy and counseling
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Detox services
- Dual diagnosis treatment
As for the extent of coverage, insurers have a bit more leeway in determining to what extent they will agree to cover drug addiction treatment. Prior to entering rehab, it’s incumbent on the prospective patient to find out the extent of coverage their insurance company provides. Most rehab facilities are happy to assist with this process.
What to Do About the Costs Not Covered By Insurance
At this point, it should be clear that a least a portion of drug rehab isn’t going to be covered. With that knowledge, you’ll need to decide how you are going to cover the rest of the costs for a treatment you desperately needed. Below, you will find a few suggestions.
Finance the Costs
Maybe as a last resort, you’ll realize that taking on debt to potentially save your life makes sense. Some rehabs will actually provide services under a credit agreement. Otherwise, credit cards and a personal loan might have to suffice.
Select a Lower Level of Treatment
If you simply can’t cover the cost of inpatient care, you might find that outpatient programs can be just as effective at a portion of the cost. If the rehab’s clinicians believe this is a viable option based on your circumstances, go for it.
Raise money (e.g. crowdsourcing)
Nowadays, it’s quite possible you could find some caring people, who collectively, would be willing to help you get the treatment you need. You don’t know if you don’t ask.
If you need help with your addiction or would like more information about covering the cost of rehab, we encourage you to contact one of our counselors at 833-846-5669.