While insurance providers have come a long way over the years when it comes to covering the cost of drug and alcohol treatment, sometimes not everything is covered in full. Additionally, some people simply don’t have health insurance or an insurance plan that covers drug and alcohol rehab.
Unfortunately, for those people who don’t have insurance or don’t have a plan that covers rehab, it can have a direct effect on whether or not they get the treatment that they need. Many think it’s too expensive or that they just simply can’t afford to get the help they need. In some cases, they might not think the cost is worth it and that they can just live with their problem.
Luckily, for those who think they can’t afford rehab, there is hope out there for them. There are many different options available when it comes to getting help for addiction without insurance. Let’s take a look at some of the options for those looking to enter rehab without insurance.
State- or Community-Funded Programs
Thanks to more time and money being dedicated to the fight against addiction, there are many rehab and treatment programs available to people who don’t have insurance and may not be able to afford to pay for treatment.
State-Funded Rehab
These facilities use government money distributed by the individual state to support people needing recovery from drugs and alcohol. Some of the money for these programs comes directly from grants or reimbursement through Medicaid. These facilities offer detox, treatment, and support services to those without insurance or much income or savings.
Faith-Based Rehab
Many Christian and other faith-based groups offer recovery programs for those without insurance. Organizations like the Salvation Army and Orthodox Jewish Chabad provide adult recovery programs that are funded mainly by donations. Many, but not all, of these programs, are free and provide residential care.
Community Health Centers, Clinics and Hospitals
Organizations like the United Way offer free drug and alcohol recovery programs. These free clinics don’t require insurance, and some organizations offer grants to those in need of care. Grants like those from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) help people find alcohol and substance abuse treatment.
Financing
Just like you might use financing to purchase a car or a major appliance, you can use financing to pay for rehab without insurance as well. Many facilities will offer their own financing options or point you in the right direction and help you secure a loan if they don’t. For those who get financing through the facility, the first payment typically isn’t due until treatment has been completed. Many will even wait several months before collecting the first payment to allow the patient to settle into their new life and find a job should they need one.
Sliding Scale
Since the ultimate goal of a treatment facility is to get someone the treatment they need for drug and alcohol addiction, they will work with the patient to make sure they get the treatment they need at a price they can afford. One way they do this is by using a sliding scale payment system. Using a sliding scale payment system, the facility will work with the individual based on his or her income to develop a personalized cost of treatment. Since these plans are based on income, they are more realistic according to what the individual can afford.
Scholarships and Grants
Similarly to how people can get scholarships and grants for going to school, scholarships and grants are also available for those who need rehab without insurance. Many treatment facilities offer scholarships to those who don’t have insurance and can’t afford the cost of treatment.
Additionally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration also offers grants to those who can’t afford treatment. Certain qualifications have to be met and you can apply for a grant by visiting their website.
Personal Savings and Fundraising
You might have some money saved up for a “rainy day” but also might be reluctant to use it for rehab. However, it’s important to remember that addiction might be the biggest “rainy day” of them all. After all, would you rather use those savings to get yourself the help that you need to live a happy and healthy life? Or would you rather use it to continue your addiction and run the risk of major health problems down the line or even death? If you die from your addiction, then that money you saved up won’t really do you any good.
Fundraising is another option. Thanks to crowdsourcing websites such as GoFundMe, going the fundraising route has never been easier. It also allows you to raise the money you need without having to have potentially awkward conversations with friends, family, and others you might ask for money.
Borrowing Money
While you might want to avoid having to go to family or friends to ask for money, sometimes that is your only option. If you decide to go the route of borrowing money from friends or family, it’s important to remember that they might be hesitant to give you money. After all, they might think that you are just going to use it to buy more drugs or alcohol. They may even say no. If they do say no, it’s important to remain calm and understand where they are coming from. Chances are it is incredibly difficult to say no but for whatever reason that they say no it’s not because they are out to get you.
Additionally, if you are borrowing money from a family member or loved one, you all need to come to an agreement as far as repayment goes before taking the money. It lets them know that you are serious about not only getting help but also paying them back. It also will allow you to manage your finances. One way to do that is to create a payment plan and put it on paper for both sides to see and agree upon.
Employee Assistance Programs
Depending on where you work, your employer might offer an employee assistance program. This program is completely confidential and is designed to help employees manage their personal or work-related issues such as financial problems, child care, family issues, and even drug and alcohol addiction. Employee assistance programs are often provided at no cost to the employee.
Do I Really Need To Pay For Rehab?
For many people who don’t have insurance, the debate can be quite tough. Do I spend money on rehab, or do I use that money on something else? Many people think that they don’t have that big of a problem or they can fix it on their own. They might even think that they can just live with their addiction. If you aren’t sure if you can afford rehab or are questioning if it’s even worth the money, you should consider certain things. While on the surface it might seem as if it will cost you less to not go to rehab, it is important to think of the long-term financial ramifications of your addiction such as:
- Medical bills
- Loss of income (most states require drug tests)
- Accident at work
- Car accidents
- Legal fees
- Relationship problems resulting in counseling fees and/or divorce costs
How Do I Get Help For Addiction Without Insurance?
Whether you think you don’t really need to go to rehab or simply can’t afford it, it’s important to remember that you can’t put a price on living a healthy and happy life. While many things might stand in the way of you getting the help you need with drugs and alcohol, money should never be one of them.
At Rock Recovery Center, our number one priorities are you and getting you the help you need to live a healthy, sober life. That’s why we will work with you to get you the help you need at a cost that you can ultimately afford. Undergoing drug and alcohol rehab is stressful enough on its own. You shouldn’t also have to deal with the stress of trying to figure out how you are going to pay for it.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact us right away. We will work with you to make sure you get the treatment you need at a price you can afford. Don’t go even another day allowing your addiction to run your life.
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