Alcohol & Health
Treatment
Helping Alcoholics
Medically Reviewed by Annamarie Coy, BA, ICPR, MATS
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Treatment and rehabilitation for alcohol use disorder (AUD) are powerful tools to help someone recover. Unfortunately, some treatment programs are expensive.
For most people, health insurance does cover alcohol rehabilitation expenses. It might cover inpatient, outpatient, or other services or a combination of these options.
Different types of health insurance plans are available for AUD. Depending on your plan type, your coverage for alcohol rehab may vary.
Here are the common types of healthcare plans and their benefits:
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In most cases, health insurance covers:
Insurance typically covers essential withdrawal and recovery services. Any additional services are less likely to be covered. However, some insurance providers offer more comprehensive services than others. In most cases, you pay higher premiums for more extensive coverage.
The Affordable Care Act ensures that all Americans with insurance have access to rehab. It is also in conjunction with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.
ACA plans must cover the following:
However, this doesn’t mean a facility will offer every treatment under the ACA plan. It will vary, and it’s essential to understand what a facility provides you before committing to a treatment program.
Most insurance policies don’t cover the “luxury services” some drug rehab programs offer. These may include:
Remember that some states allow private insurance companies to deny coverage to intoxicated people when they seek services. This policy usually applies to emergency treatment related to illnesses or injuries caused by intoxication.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for the following 30-day programs:6
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Most drug treatment centers cost between $2,000 and $25,000 monthly. You can also receive free treatments from non-profit health centers. Luxury centers can cost up to $80,000 per month.7
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When you don’t treat alcohol addiction, the long-term costs can be devastating. The cost of alcohol addiction can be much higher than that of rehab.
Costs associated with untreated alcoholism include:
The National Institutes of Health also has an Alcohol Spending Calculator. This calculator helps you determine how much you spend on alcohol per week, month, and year.
In comparison, the cost of alcohol rehabilitation is relatively low when you consider all the benefits that come with it. Treatment helps you get sober and stay sober, reducing the risk of relapse and improving your overall health and well-being.
If you don't have insurance, you can opt for the following:
Medicaid programs in many states cover rehab center costs for alcoholism and other substance use disorders. According to the ACA, anyone eligible for Medicaid is eligible for substance abuse and recovery support.
Some states offer coverage through the ACA, while others have specific state programs.
Medicaid coverage is available for low-income families and individuals based on:
Medicare is a federal health insurance program offered to seniors 65 or older or those with specific disabilities. The alcohol and substance abuse treatment coverage under Medicare includes:
Many rehab centers accept payment plans if you don't have private insurance or Medicaid. Some facilities may require a downpayment and will allow you to pay the balance over time.
Other rehab centers may provide additional financial assistance, such as scholarships or grants, helping to cover the cost of treatment for those who cannot afford to pay out of pocket.
The main difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab is the intensity of treatment.
Inpatient rehab programs provide 24-hour care and involve living at the facility for some time. Depending on the patient's progress and needs, these programs may last anywhere from 30 days to several months.
On the other hand, outpatient rehab programs provide limited care for a few hours per day. You can receive treatment during the day and go home at night.
Outpatient programs are typically more affordable than inpatient options but are less effective for those with severe addiction issues.
The cost of alcohol rehab can vary greatly depending on the type of program and treatment facility. Inpatient programs typically cost more than outpatient programs, and luxury centers can cost more. For those without insurance, government programs and payment plans can help cover the cost of treatment.
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