Does Insurance Cover Rehab?

Over 14 million US adults live with an alcohol use disorder, while 23 million other adults suffer from a substance abuse disorder, yet few people—about 1 in 10—get the help they need. Oftentimes, it’s financial considerations that prevent people from seeking the rehab services they need, so it’s essential to know if your insurance will cover rehabilitation services.

Fortunately, most health insurances cover substance abuse rehab, but the extent of any policy’s coverage will depend upon a variety of factors, such as whether or not the provider is in or out of a provider network, whether the level and intensity of care is covered, and numerous other conditions.

How Much Can Rehab Cost?

The cost of rehab varies based on the services offered, which vary in their settings, duration, and the type of facilities in which they’re offered. Consequently, the costs of rehab will differ, based on a person’s unique needs.

These are some of the typical services involved:

• Detox. Detoxification services typically take place within a facility licensed and staffed to provide 24/7 medical supervision for clients going through the detoxification process.
• Inpatient Rehab. Inpatient rehab, also called residential rehab offers around-the-clock care, where a participant receives ongoing treatment under the guidance of trained professionals. Depending on the type of program, this sort of arrangement can span from weeks to months, with 3 and 6-month lengths of stay being typical. Inpatient rehabilitation is typically the most expensive form of addiction rehab treatment, as it is the most comprehensive approach to recovery from addiction.
• Outpatient Rehab. If you are a participant in an outpatient rehab program, you do not live at a facility. You reside at your home and visit a local treatment center throughout the week to participate in education and counseling services.
• Aftercare and follow–along. These services include outpatient counseling and medication management, at a lower frequency than during outpatient rehab.

With such a wide range of treatment possibilities, the cost of rehab vastly differs from one program to the next. When evaluating the price differences, remember that a treatment plan is based on the level of care a person desires or needs.

The Cost of Rehab vs the Cost of Addiction

While rehab costs money, so does an addiction, and the ultimate price of living with an addiction is always higher than the costs of rehab. Consider some of the ways in which addiction will cost a person:

• Impaired health, such as the tissue and organ damage caused by addiction, as well as chronic illnesses that develop from substance and alcohol addiction. Medical bills alone can quickly add up with just one emergency room visit.
• Legal troubles. Legal issues range from fines and other legal expenses like court cases and jail time.
• Work problems, including lost productivity, lost jobs, and ruined careers.

As for the cost of rehab, it can be difficult to wrap your head around the costs of a treatment program. However, rehab is an investment in your health and mental well-being. When choosing rehab, you are putting time, money, and energy into making lasting, tangible improvements in your life.