One of the biggest holdbacks for many when it comes to seeking treatment for their addiction is worrying about how they’re going to pay for it.
It’s no secret that medical treatment in the United States is expensive. If you end up having to stay in a residential program for your treatment that can make your bills jump even higher.
This leaves many wondering “Will my medical insurance pay for my addiction recover treatment?”
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Does Medical Insurance Pay For Addiction Recovery Treatment?
The short answer is yes, medical insurance can pay for your addiction recovery treatment. As a matter of fact, the majority of treatment facilities and providers accept insurance. However, this does not mean that your insurance company will pay. That will depend on which insurance company you go through and what is included in your specific plan.
The best way to figure out whether or not you are covered is to directly call your insurance agency and ask. That way they can provide you with specific information regarding what types of treatment they’ll cover as well as what percentage of the total cost they’ll cover.
Before you call it’s important to be informed about what exactly you’re looking for and have a list of options that you can ask the agent about. If you think you’d like to stay in a residential program have those websites pulled up and be ready to answer lots of questions.
The Affordable Care Act
In 2010 the Affordable Care Act was born. When it came into effect it was made illegal for an insurance company to deny someone insurance based because of a pre-existing medical condition, including a substance abuse disorder.
The act also outlined that insurance companies are required to provide coverage for mental health care and treatment. Treatment for addiction and substance abuse disorders is included in this.
This means that no matter which insurance provider you have, they are required to provide some level of mental health care coverage. The only thing you have to figure out is to what extent they’ll cover your treatment and if there are some treatments that they will and won’t cover.
Can You Go To Treatment Without Insurance?
So maybe you’ve talked to your insurance company and the treatments that they cover are not what you’re looking for. Now the question is are you able to go to treatment without insurance?
Yes, it is possible to go to treatment without having insurance.
Nowadays, many states offer free or reduced-cost treatment programs to residents. If you are really on a tight budget, these can be a great option. You won’t have to worry about being able to pay an additional bill on top of your regular living expenses.
However, keep in mind that with these programs you likely won’t be receiving the same level of personalized care that you would with a private program. The quality of these programs can also vary greatly state by state so it’s recommended that you read reviews and speak to previous patients to learn about their experiences.
If you are working with a counselor or are participating in a program such as Narcotics Anonymous, they should be able to provide you with a list of treatment center options near you that are within your price point.
Treatment Payment Options
Even if you don’t have insurance, there are still ways for you to pay for your treatment. Don’t let money be the reason that you hold off on starting your recovery.
Payment Plans
When you are looking at different treatment program options call them and ask them if they offer a payment plan. This could be a great option for people who have the money to pay but need to cover other bills as well and just need a bit more time to make the payment.
Loans
Another option is to take out a loan. This is not an ideal solution as loans to go to treatment can be difficult to find. However, if you are in a tight spot a loan could end up saving your life.
Scholarships
Many states now offer scholarship programs that will pay for you to go to treatment, they’re just not heavily advertised. Your 12-step program leader or medical professional should be able to point you in the right direction. The rehab center itself may also have some scholarship programs available or may know of some in your area.
Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration Grants
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, now offers grants for those who want to see help in a treatment program. These grants can help to cover a significant portion of the total cost of your treatment.
Aid For Veterans
If you are a veteran you can receive financial assistance through the US Department of Veteran Affairs. They have programs that will help veterans to pay for their substance abuse treatment. To figure out exactly what is available to you contact Veteran Affairs and tell them about your situation and your options.
Friends and Family
This is the last option because for many, asking their friends and family for help with something as personal as addiction is their absolute last resort. However, in an emergency, there is nothing wrong with asking friends and family for support.
You may be surprised to find out that a lot of your family wants to help you. Nobody wants to see their family member suffering from addiction.
Key Takeaways
Yes, your medical insurance can pay for your addiction recovery treatment. As a matter of fact, all insurance companies in the United States are required to provide coverage for mental healthcare. The only thing that varies from company to company is exactly what they are willing to cover.
There are also many financing options available if you are not able to pay for treatment out of pocket including payment plans, scholarships, and grants. Don’t let money be the factor that keeps you from your recovery.
To learn more about your payment options for rehab visit Achieve Wellness Recovery official.
References:
American Addiction Centers: Grants and Financial Assistance
