When looking into getting help for drug or alcohol addiction, it can be overwhelming to think about the price tag of some facilities. When broken down, the cost of the treatments is not as bad as you would think, especially when you think about how much money living with the addiction can cost.
Certain treatments can cost more than others, and it all comes down to the facility or treatment center you chose to attend. Luckily, with insurance, most policies cover some, if not all the costs. If you look up Cigna rehab coverage, you will find what is covered under their plans and policies.
While the task of finding a suitable rehab and covering the costs of your treatment may seem daunting, here is a breakdown of costs for several types of treatments and facilities. These treatments are an average cost, some ranging higher or lower. Specific substances require more treatment than others.
Detox
$1,000-$1,500
An outpatient detox program can be costly and is ranging from $1000 to $5000, depending on the required length of treatment. Some substances require more time, and medical attention, which will make the treatment cost more. For cocaine users, detoxing typically requires only checking since the symptoms are less severe. However, with alcohol and heroin users, medication and constant medical attention could be necessary, which will in turn, cost more money.
Symptoms of withdrawal could include nausea, insomnia, muscle aches, increased heart rate, fever, and sometimes seizures. For a better idea of what substances might require medical attention to detox, check out this website. Many people who try to detox on their own end up self-medicating because the withdrawal symptoms on their own can be too much to handle. Detoxing with the help of medical professionals and certain medications can make the process more successful.
For inpatient recovery treatments, detox is included in the program so there will not be a stand alone cost for the treatment. This price is for those looking to do an outpatient recovery program.
Inpatient Rehab
$6,000-$20,000: 30-day programs
$12,00-$60,000: 2 to 3-month programs
Inpatient facilities have a wide range of prices based on the amenities offered during their programs, medications and medical attention needed during the treatment, and the location of the facility. Some states with higher costs of living will have more expensive facilities because they have to pay their staff more.
The amenities offered by the facility is where you will see the biggest difference in price tags. Some facilities will offer massages, acupuncture, private rooms, tennis courts, swimming pools, and professional chefs. Inpatient rehab typically has a more strict, structured program focused fully on recovery without the distractions of everyday life. Inpatient rehab requires the commitment of leaving your home and job for the duration of the program. If you cannot leave your family or take time off work, it might not be the best option for you.
Outpatient Rehab
$5,000-10,000: 3-month program
Outpatient programs typically cost less than the inpatient facilities because it does not require the added expense of room and board. The costs of outpatient programs vary based on the amount of attention required for treatment and how many sessions are needed.
Outpatient rehab is a great option for those who can’t afford the immersive inpatient program or cannot commit to putting their life on hold for the required time to complete the program. It is not a great option for those who require medical attention or suffer from addiction to multiple substances. It also requires a better at-home support system that can assist you in staying clean, attending your sessions, and providing a safe environment for you. For more information on whether outpatient is the right move for you, visit https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4152944/.
Medication
$0-$5,000 per year
Just like with detox, some substances will not require medication to overcome. Depending on the substance you need treatment for, you could be able to accomplish it with therapy and support systems. However, some substances, such as opioids and heroin can require medication which could cost thousands a year.
The most common substance addictions that will require medication is heroin and opioids, although alcohol and nicotine addiction could also require some medications. Other drugs, such as marijuana and cocaine, don’t typically have the same level of addictive traits that require medication.
How to Pay
Insurances cover mental health treatment, such as substance use disorder. Not all costs are covered by the insurance and each policy has different stipulations, so make sure you check with your policy provider to find out what options you have. All state-financed and private insurances should have coverage for addiction recovery.
The price of rehab with insurance should be the same as any other medical coverage you have. The Affordable Health Care Act requires insurance companies to treat mental illness with the same stipulations as other medical costs. This means, copays, deductibles, and long-term stays will have the same coverage for rehab as with any other medical costs, such as doctor’s visits and hospital stays. This means, depending on your policy, you could be covered completely after your copay and deductible are paid.
If you do not have insurance, there are other options to cover the cost of recovery. There are low-income facilities that can offer discounted or free cost for treatment. These facilities often come with a maximum income requirement and can have long waiting lists to get in. Some facilities offer a financing plan, which could get you the help you need immediately while paying off the cost over a period of time.
It is important to think of addiction recovery as an investment. While the cost of treatment centers can be costly upfront, the price of addiction is far higher. Not getting the help you need could end up costing your job, loved ones, not to mention the ongoing cost of paying for drugs and alcohol. Do not put off getting help due to cost because it will end up costing more in the long run.
