How To Pay For Rehab Without Insurance

Battling drug addiction or alcohol abuse is challenging, and not having the proper insurance coverage to pay for rehab services can seem like yet another impossible obstacle to overcome. 

While lacking funds may stop people from seeking care, it shouldn’t. There are a variety of ways to get addiction treatment costs partially or fully covered without the help of an insurance provider. 

Seeking addiction treatment as soon as possible can often help avoid heftier costs associated with hospitalization for emergency care.

How Much Does An Addiction Recovery Program Cost?

The cost of addiction treatment can vary widely based on factors related to the type of treatment, including the program length, the level of care, and the amenities the facility provides. 

The cost of treatment can range anywhere from less than $100 a day for outpatient programs to tens of thousands of dollars or more for luxury inpatient stays lasting over 30 days. 

The least expensive inpatient programs are, on average, around $6,000 a month, while three months of outpatient care costs the client about $5,000. 

No matter what your budget is, there is an addiction treatment center that can fit your specific needs. 

Ways To Pay For Drug Treatment Without Insurance

If you don’t have a private or employer-funded health insurance plan, you can try one or several of the methods below to pay for addiction treatment. 

Government-Funded Insurance Plans

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all health insurance plans are required to pay for some form of addiction treatment. 

This includes health insurance plans funded by the federal government like Medicaid programs, Medicare, or TRICARE military insurance. 

Eligibility requirements for Medicaid vary slightly by state but may require only a low income or other criteria, such as being pregnant or disabled.

These insurance programs typically don’t come with deductibles, co-payments, and other out-of-pocket costs. 

Many low-cost rehab centers accept Medicaid coverage and other government insurance plans, including state-funded treatment facilities with subsidized care.  

Some rehab centers will help you with Medicaid enrollment if you don’t know how to apply. 

Nonprofit Treatment Centers 

Nonprofit drug and alcohol rehab centers are one of the top ways to get affordable treatment services without insurance. 

These facilities are typically funded by donations and similar means. They are private, so the services offered will vary depending on the program.

Some nonprofits charge fees or accept health insurance plans, while others strive to completely cover treatment costs. 

You can also find nonprofits with special programs for pregnant women, adolescents, people with co-occurring disorders, the LGBTQ+ community, and more. 

Payment Options Offered By Rehab Centers

There are financial assistance options offered by some treatment facilities that can fit the needs of any person seeking rehabilitation services. 

First, you can explore rehab facilities that receive government grants, such as those provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 

Some rehab programs can also help you find and apply for private scholarships to help pay for treatment. 

A sliding scale for self-pay clients, which lowers the bill based on your income, may be offered by a rehab center. 

Financing options, such as payment plans with low- or zero-interest terms, may also be available, allowing you to pay for treatment over a set period.

If those options don’t work, you can look into crowdfunding on sites like GoFundMe. 

Faith-Based Recovery Centers 

Faith-based rehab centers are similar to nonprofit facilities. They are private and offer varied services, and many are funded through donations or community groups. 

Although they incorporate spirituality into their substance use disorder treatment programs, they don’t all require clients to belong to any particular faith upon entry. 

Well-known faith-based rehab centers include The Salvation Army or Adult and Teen Challenge. They may provide detoxification, sober living housing, outpatient treatment, and more. 

Alternatives To Attending A Residential Treatment Program

Inpatient treatment, particularly if you need detox services, is the most expensive level of care available. It can also be challenging for people with jobs, children, or other responsibilities. 

The least expensive level of care is outpatient rehab. Counseling and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options are useful and accessible, particularly to people with tight schedules.

Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are more intensive levels of outpatient care that may still accommodate busy schedules.

If those treatment options don’t work, you can try free community support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Nar-Anon, or SMART Recovery. 

These support groups are flexible and often meet daily or weekly. They have helped countless people worldwide achieve recovery. 

If you need help finding local 12-step groups, you can contact community centers, healthcare treatment providers, or churches for referrals. 

Find An Addiction Treatment Program Today

If you, a family member, or another loved one is experiencing drug abuse or chemical dependency, help is available. Call us today to learn more about starting the recovery journey. 

Published on November 1, 2023

Written by the Free Rehab Centers Editorial Staff