Deciding to get help for drug and alcohol addiction is always the right choice. But even when people are facing the worst consequences of substance abuse and addiction, many put off getting treatment. Why is this?
One barrier between people and the addiction treatment they need is the cost of rehab. Some worry that they will not be able to afford rehab–and this is especially true for people who don’t have health insurance.
So, what should you do if you need to go to rehab but don’t have insurance? Fortunately, there are many ways to pay for rehab without insurance. We’ve put together a guide to help you find ways to pay for rehab if you don’t have insurance or your insurance plan won’t cover your treatment.
For more information on starting treatment or finding help for yourself or a loved one, reach out to the Arise Treatment Center specialists today.
How Can I Pay For Rehab Without Insurance?
There are several ways to pay for the treatment you need to overcome addiction. Here are some of the most common ways people pay for rehab without insurance.
Buy insurance
Many people are eligible to purchase health insurance plans on the open market. The Affordable Care Act requires all insurance plans to cover the cost of substance abuse and mental health treatment. Check the details of your specific plan for further information about what programs, providers, and treatments are covered.
Attend a low-cost rehab facility
Rehab is not a one-size-fits-all program. Different facilities offer different types of treatment and amenities that can create drastic differences in the costs of their programs. Luxury rehab centers may offer high-end amenities, such as spa services, private chefs, and small group sizes. These programs tend to cost much more than more modest programs.
If you need to pay for rehab without insurance, you may want to consider more standard rehab programs–or look into state-funded rehab programs.
Self-pay and payment plans
If you plan to pay out-of-pocket for rehab, explain this to your treatment facility’s admissions staff. Sometimes, treatment centers offer discounts or allowances for people paying this way.
Your treatment facility may also offer the opportunity to create a payment plan, allowing you to make smaller monthly payments over time instead of paying for treatment all at once.
Explore financing
You may be able to obtain a loan or scholarship to cover the cost of rehab. Some facilities work directly with lenders to help patients find the funds they need. Other facilities may recommend third-party lenders who offer rehab loans.
Your treatment facility’s admission staff will provide guidance in finding the funding you need to get the help you need.
Look for sliding scale fees
Rehab center admission staff want people to be able to pay for rehab without insurance. They will often offer sliding scale fees, meaning they consider your financial situation when determining the cost of treatment. Charging on a sliding scale means more people have access to affordable treatment.
Apply for scholarships
Like colleges and universities, rehab facilities also offer scholarships to people who need them. Ask your treatment center if they offer scholarships and apply for any available. In some cases, a scholarship will cover all of the costs associated with rehab; in others, you will still be required to pay a portion of your expenses.
If your rehab center doesn’t offer scholarships, you may apply for help from national organizations, such as 10,000 Beds.
Apply for Medicaid or Medicare
Medicaid is a state and federal-funded program that provides insurance to people with low incomes. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid generally covers the cost of substance abuse treatment. Not all rehab facilities accept Medicaid, so check with your program before starting treatment or choose a facility that does.
Medicare is another state and federally-funded program offering insurance to people 65 and older. You do not need to meet income guidelines to apply for Medicare. Medicare does cover the cost of addiction treatment, but you need authorization from a doctor before using it to pay for rehab.
Support from friends and family
Asking loved ones for help can be overwhelming. If you feel uncomfortable asking your friends and family to help you pay for rehab, remember that they love you and want what is best. In many cases, loved ones don’t know how to help someone with drug and alcohol addiction. Asking them to contribute toward the cost of rehab gives them a clear, concrete way to support you.
You may also set up a GoFundMe page to ask your wider circle of friends and family for help. This allows your story and request to reach more people quickly.
Find Help Now
Living with addiction impacts every aspect of your life, from your health to your relationships and more. Don’t carry the weight of your addiction alone. Get the treatment you need to overcome addiction and live the life you deserve.
Reach out to the knowledgeable admissions staff to explore the different ways to pay for rehab without insurance. We will work with you to ensure you can afford the help you need.