If you have been struggling with a substance use disorder of any type or severity, some degree of addiction treatment has likely become necessary. Unfortunately, many people who are in dire need of addiction treatment fail to seek help because they are concerned about covering the cost of rehab. When it comes to paying for treatment, there are numerous options available. In many cases, the addiction treatment services offered by a rehab facility can be covered partially or in full by your health insurance provider. The cost of treatment also varies significantly depending on the level of care you choose. If you are currently uninsured and you are paying for treatment out-of-pocket, you might consider a less intensive level of care like intensive outpatient (IOP). Remember — some form of addiction treatment is always better than no treatment at all.

At Immersion Recovery Center we understand how overwhelming it can be to sift through all potential coverage options. Health insurance coverage and self-pay options are far from the only ways to pay for rehab. Rather than attempt to sort out which option is best for you, we encourage you to reach out for professional advice and assistance. Do not let a fear of paying for rehab prevent you from receiving the professional help you need. Contact us today to learn more about your options.

Paying for Rehab With Insurance

Mental and health services are considered essential medical services, meaning addiction treatment is covered — by law — through major national and regional health insurance providers. Plans must cover services provided by inpatient detox and rehab centers, addiction therapy and counseling and other substance use disorder treatment options. Types of addiction treatment covered by health insurance providers include:

• Medical detoxification services.
• Medication assisted treatment options used for drug and alcohol detoxification.
• Inpatient treatment services at an approved rehab or facility.
• Outpatient addiction treatment services offered by an approved provider.
• Individual, group and family therapy services.
• Medication maintenance options (like Suboxone).

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) went into effect in 2010. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “The ACA provides one of the largest expansions of mental health and substance use disorder coverage. The law requires that most individual and small employer health insurance plans, including all plans offered through the Health Insurance Marketplace cover mental health and substance use disorder services. Also required are rehabilitative and habilitative services that can help support people with behavioral health challenges.”

What does this mean? Essentially, it means addiction treatment services must be covered by most insurance providers. When it comes to paying for rehab, looking into your current insurance provider is always a recommended first step.

Your specific addiction treatment benefits depend on what state you live in and what insurance coverage policy you choose, though there is a very good chance your current provider will cover some or all of the treatment services provided by the rehab center you are looking into. Most rehab centers also offer free, no obligation health insurance benefit checks which can be completed over the phone in a matter of minutes. If you are considering seeking treatment through Immersion Recovery Center, we offer health insurance benefit checks to help you quickly determine how much of our recovery program is covered.

Using Out-of-Network Insurance for Rehab

If a specific rehab center is “in-network” it means it will provide addiction treatment services at a discounted rate. If the treatment center you are looking at is “out-of-network” with your current provider, it means it does not accept a pre-approved amount for the addiction services it provides.

Essentially, this means the rehab center can charge you the full price for services and you will likely have more out-of-pocket costs. However, out-of-network facilities often offer nicer amenities and have more ancillary services.

When looking into using out-of-network insurance for rehab it is important to understand the difference between PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and HMO (Health Maintenance Organization). HMO coverage restricts patients to in-network medical professionals and treatment services, and those with HMO coverage must see their primary physician to receive a referral before receiving specialized treatment. PPO coverage allows patients to choose any healthcare service they’d like, whether it is in-network or out-of-network. PPO plans allow people to see an addiction treatment specialist or seek drug and alcohol rehab without a referral.

Using In-Network Insurance for Rehab

Finding an in-network rehab center is often easier, and it means the majority of the addiction treatment services offered are covered either partially or in full. However, there are some negative aspects to choosing an in-network rehab center. Costs might be lower, but your stay in treatment will likely be shorter. In-network treatment centers might not offer the best amenities. Treatment groups are often larger and the clinical care provided is often less individualized and tailored to the unique needs of each client. It is a good idea to weigh all of the pros and cons before making any final decisions.

Private & Out-of-Pocket Payment for Rehab

Health insurance coverage is not your only option when it comes to paying for rehab. Many people who struggle with active addiction have a difficult time keeping a job which offers benefits or aren’t able to stay on top of insurance premium payments. If you are currently uninsured or underinsured, you can look into private and out-of-pocket payment options. Don’t let a lack of health insurance coverage prevent you from seeking and receiving the professional help you need. Rest assured there are many additional coverage options, none of which will break the bank.

Benefits of Private Pay for Rehab

Looking into private pay options is a good idea whether or not you are currently insured. There are many benefits to paying for rehab out-of-pocket. Once you determine your personal budget you are able to choose any rehab within this budget — you will not be restricted to an in-network treatment center. The cost of addiction treatment is often less than the deductible you might be required to pay when utilizing health insurance. Additionally, you are able to customize the length of your stay in rehab based on your personal needs rather than the parameters implemented by your provider.

Paying for rehab out-of-pocket might seem entirely impossible based on what you have previously heard. Isn’t rehab insanely expensive? Won’t you all but go broke if you attempt to cover treatment costs without the aid of insurance? Absolutely not. Some rehab centers charge an arm and leg for their services with little to back up their astronomical costs. However, reputable treatment centers have the best interest of potential clients in mind, and are willing to work with you and your personal budget.

Average Costs of Private Rehab

How much does private rehab cost? Generally speaking, the cost of rehab is directly proportionate to your length of stay and the services provided. Some rehab centers cost next to nothing while others cost thousands per day. Rest assured, no matter what your personal budget is, there is a treatment center somewhere out there which will be a perfect fit. On average, the costs of private addiction treatment options look like this:

• Medical Detox – Some inpatient rehab centers offer medical detox services as part of a comprehensive treatment program. Other rehab centers recommend you undergo withdrawal in a detox center prior to program admission. If you choose to undergo withdrawal in a medical detox center and pay out-of-pocket, you could end up paying anywhere between $3000 to $6000 in total for a 5 to 10-day stay. In order to make detox “worth it,” we recommend immediately transitioning into a higher level of care once you have been physically stabilized.
• Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab – On average, 30-day rehab programs cost between $15,000 and $30,000 for those who are uninsured and paying out-of-pocket. Rehab programs which offer a range of additional services (massage therapy, personalized nutritional counseling, and on-site fitness centers and swimming pools, for example) might cost upwards of $45,000 for a 30-day program. The length of stay can often be adjusted based on your personal needs and your financial circumstances.
• Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP) – IOP is recommended for those who are looking for more cost-effective addiction treatment options. IOP programs offer the same services as inpatient rehab while allowing clients to return home every evening. Generally speaking, IOP programs cost roughly $3000 to $4000 for a three-month program.
• Medication Assisted Treatment Options – Some rehab programs might cost more if you require medication assisted treatment options, like Suboxone maintenance services. Many people do not require MAT, which is why finding an individualized treatment program is so essential.

When choosing an inpatient rehab it is a good idea to look for a therapeutically-based program that offers additional services based on need. For example, a dual diagnosis treatment program might cost slightly more, but if you are struggling with an underlying mental illness it is imperative all existing disorders are treated simultaneously. The costs listed above are generalized and will vary depending on the rehab program you choose. If you would like a treatment cost estimate for the program offered by Immersion Recovery Center, contact us today.

Both insurance programs cover treatment for substance use disorders. Medicare is available to Americans over the age of 65, regardless of their income. Medicare might also be available to some people under the age of 65, depending on their individual case. Medicaid is available to low-income individuals and eligibility requirements depend on the state of residency.

If seeking treatment from a state-funded facility is your only viable option it is a good idea, seeing as some degree of treatment is better than no treatment at all. However, seeking care from a public rehab poses some challenges. For example, it might be difficult to get a spot right away — you might have to wait weeks for a bed to open up. Additionally, treatment options are far less individualized and rarely take your unique personal needs into account.

Private Treatment Funding for Rehab

If you are uninsured and you are looking for something other than a public or state-funded rehab facility, you can look into private treatment funding options. You might be able to take out a medical loan for rehab, explore financing options or utilize part of your personal savings for rehab. To learn more about private funding options continue reading, or reach out to Immersion Recovery Center today for more detailed information.

Asking a Friend or Loved To Help Pay for Rehab

For many, this is a “last resort” option, simply because close friends and other loved ones can have a difficult time understanding addiction. To your loved ones, it might seem as if you have passed by numerous opportunities to get sober — maybe they have lent you money in the past, and you have spent the majority on drugs and alcohol. Many people who suffer from active addiction experience strained interpersonal relationships, and asking a loved one for financial assistance is not always within the realm of possibility. However, if this is your first time going to treatment and if your loved ones have no reason to mistrust you or question your motives, you might choose to ask them for a personal loan. There are many perks that go hand-in-hand with asking a loved one to help pay for rehab. You won’t be limited to an in-network facility, you won’t have to deal with an interest rate, and you won’t have to sift through any financial paperwork. While it might be a long shot, it certainly never hurts to ask.

There Are Many Ways to Pay for Rehab

When considering how you are going to cover the cost of rehab, remember you have numerous options available. We know it can all seem overwhelming at first, but avoid letting coverage-related stress prevent you from seeking the professional help you need. We are readily available to help you quickly decide which coverage option is best for you or your loved one. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, treatment is always less expensive than its alternatives, like incarceration, criminal justice costs, theft and substance-related accidents and injuries. If you are struggling to determine whether or not rehab is “worth it,” we encourage you to consider the cost of active addiction. If you make the decision to give addiction treatment a fair shot, your quality of life will undeniably improve — in fact, you will likely start living a life beyond your wildest dreams.

NIDA states, “According to several conservative estimates, every dollar invested in addiction treatment programs yields a return of between $4 and $7 in reduced drug-related crime, criminal justice costs, and theft. When savings related to healthcare are included, total savings can exceed costs by a ratio of 12 to 1. Major savings to the individual and to society also stem from fewer interpersonal conflicts; greater workplace productivity; and fewer drug-related accidents, including overdoses and deaths.” The far-reaching benefits of attending treatment and maintaining sobriety always outweigh the financial cost of treatment.

Contact Us Today to Learn More

If you would like to learn more about your personal treatment coverage options, reach out to Immersion Recovery Center today. We offer a free, no obligation insurance benefit check whenever necessary. Our main priority is ensuring you feel confident about your decision to seek addiction treatment, whether you decide to commit to our recovery program or go a different route. We know how overwhelming the process can seem at first. Working out the specifics of admission can deter people from seeking treatment entirely if they do not have access to adequate guidance and support. Rest assured — we are available to help you through every single step of the admissions process from start to finish. Contact us today to begin.