What if Your Health Insurance Policy Isn’t Enough to Cover Addiction Treatment Costs?

If you or a loved one is looking into rehab, one of the first questions you likely have will be about the cost. Rehab is the best option for a person who is struggling with an addiction. Unfortunately, rehab can be a costly option. Many people believe that they can’t handle the cost of rehab and instead remain addicted. What if your health insurance policy isn’t enough to cover addiction treatment costs? If it isn’t, there are other ways to pay for treatment. Keep reading to find out more.

If you have health insurance

A lot of people don’t even look at their health insurance policy when they go into rehab as they believe their policy won’t cover them. While it depends on the company, your insurance may cover some aspects of rehab. There is a chance it will cover a certain amount of days in rehab or some of your therapy services. Some policies may cover a set amount of outpatient services but not inpatient. Always call and talk to a representative before looking into other ways to pay. You could get lucky. You should also talk to the rehab itself to find out which insurance carriers they accept.

Using cash to pay for rehab

If your health insurance doesn’t cover some aspects of rehab, you may need to pay the rest in cash. Of course, this isn’t always a feasible option for many of us, as inpatient rehab stays can cost a pretty penny. However, you must keep in mind just how important rehab is. If you have the extra cash to pay for services, don’t hesitate to use it. Your life is worth it!

If you are paying cash but are struggling to do so, consider outpatient rehab services. You may be able to pay day-by-day. If this is the case, consider how many days you can afford. You may only be able to go to two programs a week, but a couple of days a week will be better than nothing at all.

Government assistance may help

You may be able to apply for state government assistance that could help you pay for rehab. If these programs are available in your state, you’ll need to provide some personal information to apply. This may include your income, credit history, and net worth. Some states may offer assistance based on how much you make per year, especially if you fall below the poverty line.

Talk to your employer

Ask your boss or HR representative if your company offers an EAP, or employer assistance program. These programs are sponsored by employers to help employees facing personal challenges at home. Many will cover services that are related to drug or alcohol abuse. They may also cover mental health and financial problems.

Look into private loans

If your health insurance doesn’t cover your rehab visits, consider taking out a loan from your bank or credit union. Yes, you’ll be taking on a new monthly payment. But isn’t that a small price to pay to be clean and sober? The rehab may also offer you a sliding scale option that is based on your income.

You might also ask a well-off family member or friend for a loan for rehab services. If you do, make sure you get everything in writing. Negotiate a payment plan that you will be able to handle once you are out of rehab.

Another way to raise money for rehab is crowdfunding. You’ll have to put together a campaign and share it for everyone to see, but friends and family will often be willing to donate to such a good cause. It’s not easy to ask for help, but rehab is certainly worth it.

Start selling your belongings

When you still need money for detox or rehab, it may be time to downsize your home. This means getting rid of the belongings you don’t need any longer for cash. You could hold a garage or yard sale if the weather is nice. However, there are now tons of apps that allow you to easily sell your things every day if you wish. Consider using Facebook Marketplace for local pick-ups, or download apps that allow you to mail your goods to customers after they are purchased.

Let us know you need help

You may be considering skipping treatment since your insurance won’t pay for it all. While we understand your frustration, we implore you to talk to us first. There are many ways you can get the care you need even when it seems hopeless. Call us at 833-497-3812 for additional information.