People struggling with substance abuse sometimes believe the cost of rehab is out of reach. While some rehab programs can be expensive, affordable addiction treatment is available.
This article explains what rehabilitation costs are at centers like Sunlight Recovery, the role of insurance in covering costs and other payment options for those who don’t have insurance or full coverage. While it’s estimated that substance abuse costs the United States over $740 billion each year, low-cost rehab in Florida is possible.
Understanding the Cost of Rehab: Myths vs. Reality
If you or a loved one is abusing drugs or alcohol, the sooner you seek treatment, the better. The myth that drug and alcohol rehab is simply too expensive for the normal person isn’t true, as the cost of rehabilitation depends on where you get treatment and your condition. Here are some approximate figures:
- Detox. Rehab typically starts with medical detoxification at a clinic or hospital, where you may receive medication to ease withdrawal symptoms. The average cost is between $1,000 and $5,000. Detox usually takes 7 to 10 days.
- Inpatient rehab. Detox is usually followed by a period of inpatient rehabilitation. During this period, you receive therapy, support and nutrition until you’re well enough to look after yourself. Inpatient rehab generally takes 28 days, although this period may be longer. The cost of inpatient rehab is between $6,000 and $20,000 per month. High-end facilities with private suites and specialized personal treatment may cost $60,000 per month or more.
- Outpatient rehab. While inpatient rehab is often preferred, not everyone can leave work or other obligations to attend a residential program. Outpatient therapy, where you live at home, go to work and receive therapy in the evenings or on certain days of the week, may be helpful in such situations or as you step down from inpatient treatment. Costs for outpatient rehab are between $3,000 and $10,000 for 90-day programs.
The cost of rehab treatment includes medical supervision, therapy, meals and accommodation. If you consider the long-term impact of substance abuse, the cost of treatment can be offset by the potential losses you might incur if you don’t get help. These include loss of your job or home, relationship damage, potential legal issues and medical bills.
How Insurance Can Offset Most or All of the Cost
In Florida, all Affordable Care Act-compliant medical plans cover substance abuse treatment. Additionally, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) requires that benefits for substance abuse must be comparable to benefits for other medical conditions under the same plan.
In practice, you’ll need to speak to your insurer to understand coverage limitations, deductibles and co-pays. Some insurers may require a medical evaluation before approving substance abuse treatment, and though plans may be required to cover evidence-based treatments, they might not cover alternative therapies. You should also verify that the rehab center you choose is covered by your insurance policy and in network with your plan. At Sunlight Recovery, we can help you verify your insurance.
If you’re on Medicaid, substance abuse treatment is covered in Florida, provided the treatment center accepts Medicaid. The same applies to seniors on Medicare, as long as the facility meets Medicare’s requirements.
Sliding Scale and State-Supported Options
If you don’t have health insurance, you might qualify for treatment on a sliding scale. Talk to admissions staff for any rehab you consider and ask about discounts and sliding scales, which use your income and financial situation to determine how much you’re charged for services.
If you’re a resident of Florida, you may qualify for treatment at a state-funded rehabilitation center. Treatment sponsored by the Florida Department of Children and Families is provided at approved community-based treatment centers, with much of the costs covered by the program.
Some treatment centers offer grants to help you pay for substance abuse treatment. Admissions counselors can help you find out if you qualify for such programs. Always ask about grant details, such as whether you’ll need to pay back funds if you don’t complete a program.
Other alternatives for paying for rehab in Florida include health care loans, personal loans from family and friends and crowdfunding.
High-Quality Treatment Doesn’t Always Mean High Cost
The cost of treatment doesn’t always relate to its quality. Some clinics specialize in promoting luxury services for their patients as well as addiction treatment, while others offer the same level of treatment with fewer frills. Depending on your situation, you should focus on what’s best for you to overcome your substance dependence.
Before choosing a rehab provider, talk to admissions staff about what services are offered. Make sure the provider is accredited, uses evidence-based treatments and has multidisciplinary teams that support individualized therapy and medical care. If applicable, find out whether a provider offers family support for loved ones and whether the program includes ongoing therapeutic support after you’ve completed inpatient treatment. Find out how the clinic measures treatment success and read patient reviews and testimonials like these for Sunlight Recovery.
What to Ask Facilities About Affordability and Financial Aid
Before signing up for rehabilitation, ask about the cost of treatment. Make certain you know what your total costs will be. If you have insurance, establish whether the provider accepts your insurance and what portion of the treatment costs it covers. If there’ll be a shortfall or you’re not insured, ask about different pricing options and whether sliding-scale treatment options or charity grants might help you cover costs.
Some specific questions you can ask include:
- Can you verify my insurance and ensure you’re an in-network provider?
- What is my estimated out-of-pocket expense, including deductible and co-pays?
- What’s included in that cost?
- What should I do if I don’t think I can afford treatment?
Finding Affordable Addiction Treatment Regardless of Your Financial Situation
If you’re looking for low-cost rehab in Florida, contact us at Sunlight Recovery to discuss treatment options. We accept most insurers, and our addiction recovery programs are fully licensed and CARF-accredited. We’ll structure an affordable treatment program that meets your needs and helps you get on the road to full recovery. Don’t let affordability stop you from making the right decision to seek help for substance dependence and addiction.
