How to Pay for Rehab With No Insurance

Article at a glance:

– Many people without health insurance struggle to find affordable addiction treatment options.
– Medicaid and Medicare can help cover the costs of drug and alcohol rehab for those who qualify.
– State-funded rehab facilities and nonprofit programs may offer low-cost or free treatment for individuals without insurance.
– Teletherapy and online platforms can provide affordable therapy options, but may not specialize in substance abuse treatment.
– Financial assistance for drug rehab can be found through block grants, loans, subsidized health coverage, and fundraising efforts.
– Seeking treatment, even with financial barriers, is more cost-effective in the long run compared to continuing substance abuse.

While employment rates are continuing to trend up, there were still over 27 million people without health insurance in the first half of 2022. For those in that population who need addiction treatment, finding a drug rehab without insurance is still relevant for many. Thankfully, free or low-cost options are available throughout the country, including New Jersey, where The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper is based.

Can I Receive Addiction Treatment Without Insurance?

The costs of rehab may stop people from getting the care they need, especially if they do not have insurance. However, there are many ways for those without insurance to receive addiction treatment. Depending on your state, financial assistance and free or low-cost addiction resources may be available. 

Do Medicare or Medicaid Cover Rehab?

Medicare and Medicaid are health insurance plans that are state or federally funded. Medicaid is available to those over 18 in a specific income bracket, while Medicare is available to individuals 65 and over or those with disabilities. Under the Affordable Care Act, both plans are required to cover some of the costs of drug and alcohol rehab. Covered services may include: 

• Medical detox
• Inpatient care
• Outpatient care
• MAT
• Mental health counseling

How Can I Acquire Insurance To Cover Rehab?

There are several ways to acquire health insurance. During open enrollment, you can use the federal health marketplace to search and apply for health insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. You may be eligible for a special enrollment period if you have recently lost a job or had a life-changing event. 

Low-Cost Rehab Programs

Depending on your state, state-funded rehab facilities may be available that provide low-cost or free addiction treatment. The best way to find care is by researching your state’s low-cost or state-funded rehab programs. If you live in New Jersey, you can use The New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ treatment locator tool to find an affordable facility near you. 

Nonprofit or state-funded programs are more likely to cover some or all of the costs for people with no insurance, Medicaid or a low income. Private or community-based facilities often offer options like sliding scale payments, payment plans and loans to help make a rehab stay more affordable.

It’s important to note that low-cost rehabs typically do not have the amenities found in private facilities. They also may not specialize in specific addictions or have specific treatment programs. Additionally, most free clinics have a waiting list, meaning patients could wait weeks or months before receiving treatment.

Substance Abuse Hotlines

People can call local and national hotlines for immediate assistance or to be referred to affordable local treatment. These include:

• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-866-337-0895
• The Recovery Village: 1-866-337-0895

Teletherapy or Online Rehab

Teletherapy has become popular due to its affordability and accessibility. Online telehealth platforms like Talkspace have payment tiers depending on the number and frequency of sessions. However, therapists on these platforms may not specialize in substance abuse treatment. The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper has its own telehealth app, staffed by licensed addiction specialists who provide evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions.

Funding Rehab With No Insurance

Many treatment centers offer sliding scale payments or can create payment plans to help patients afford their stay. However, there are also a few other ways to find financial assistance for drug rehab.

Grant and Scholarships

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides most states with block grants to increase access to addiction treatment. These funds may be used to provide low-cost or free services to those struggling with substance use disorders. 

Financing

Some facilities work with lenders that allow patients to take out drug rehab loans to pay for treatment. These loans can help people attend treatment they’d otherwise be unable to afford.

Subsidized Treatment

Those with incomes below a certain level are eligible for subsidized health coverage. Insurance plans like Medicaid and Medicare cover addiction treatment at little to no cost for the member. 

Charities

Many community and religious organizations help those struggling with addiction pay for rehab treatment. Some families also turn to platforms like GoFundMe to help crowdsource addiction treatment for their loved ones.

Fundraising

Fundraising can be an effective way to lower the costs of medical care, including drug and alcohol rehab. You can start a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe to raise money for yourself or a loved one who needs addiction treatment. 

Do I Really Have Options With No Insurance for Rehab?

Finances are often a major barrier to seeking addiction treatment, but they don’t have to be. Whether signing up for Medicaid, finding a low-cost rehab facility near you or starting a fundraiser, there are ways to reduce your treatment costs so you can begin the road to recovery. You can also discuss your payment options with a Recovery Advocate today.

If you need therapy but are concerned about cost, there are still many options for receiving affordable or free treatment. Regardless, attending treatment is always more cost-effective than paying for substances financially and emotionally.

Whether you’re seeking recovery resources for yourself or a loved one, The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about affordable treatment plans and programs that can help you live a healthier, drug-free life.