5 Ways To Reduce The Cost Of Substance Abuse Treatment

Drug addiction treatment is far more cost effective than continued drug abuse over time, both from an individual standpoint and an American public health standpoint.

The cost of drug addiction includes healthcare costs, lost productivity, and even fines within the criminal legal system.

However, the upfront cost of treatment prevents many people from seeking drug and alcohol addiction services. Here you’ll find five ways to reduce the cost of care.

1. Understand Your Insurance Coverage

If you have health insurance, including Medicare or Medicaid, your provider will likely cover at least a portion of your treatment program costs.

Insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) are required to provide equivalent coverage for physical and mental health services.

Many commercial health insurance providers, such as the type that employers provide, also provide mental health coverage, including addiction-related medical care.

As you search for addiction treatment, see your provider’s website to learn what your insurance covers.

2. Ask About Self-Pay Discounts

If you are uninsured or underinsured, you might lower the cost of drug treatment by asking about self-pay discounts.

Several treatment facilities offer this option, especially when a client can pay the entire cost upfront.

Even if you cannot pay for your program upfront, you might still receive a discount. Ask your potential treatment provider if they provide this option.

3. Choose An Outpatient Treatment Center

In general, outpatient treatment services have a lower total cost than inpatient programs or residential treatment, as inpatient and residential services include room and board.

If you can’t afford inpatient treatment options, consider seeking an outpatient program for drug and alcohol abuse instead.

Opioid addiction programs, such as methadone clinics, commonly offer evidence-based outpatient services.

4. Look For Free Or Reduced-Cost Drug And Alcohol Rehab Centers

Some people may qualify for free or reduced-cost care for substance use disorders.

State-funded drug use programs, for example, often have a lower than average cost for their services, as do programs that accept grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Some religious addiction programs, such as Christian rehab centers, may also lower the cost of alcohol and drug treatment or even offer care for free.

Free and reduced-cost treatment options may include medical detoxification (detox), inpatient or outpatient services, and aftercare.

5. Ask About Payment Plans

Treatment programs often provide long-term payment plans, as well as payment assistance, for people who can’t afford the upfront costs of drug and alcohol use treatment.

Payment assistance options, such as scholarships, are especially common among nonprofit treatment centers.

Find Addiction Treatment Today

Addiction is a difficult and costly disorder, but the cost benefits of recovery are immeasurable.

If you or a loved one require addiction care, contact Free Rehab Centers today to learn more about your options.

Written by the Free Rehab Centers Editorial Staff