All throughout the state of New York are many people who rely on Medicare health insurance to pay for their healthcare needs. Medicare is an affordable health insurance for the elderly who is 65 years old or older, and for anyone who has a disability. Medicare in New York is available for a monthly premium, which is based on the income of the client. Medicare health insurance will help pay for an outpatient or inpatient drug treatment program in New York, such as a hospital inpatient program. Medicare can also help cover the costs of prescription medication needed for drug addiction, or up to a 60-day treatment without a co-payment/out of pocket expense. It can be hard at times to be able to afford drug and alcohol treatment, and Medicare can provide affordable options for the elderly and people with disabilities who are seeking out help for a drug or alcohol problem.
Substance Abuse Among Seniors and How Medicare Helps
Although substance abuse within the older population is less publicized, there are still issues that this demographic is faced with. A recent article in The New York Times highlighted an unsettling trend regarding the elderly population and the medications prescribed to them. It explains that some drugs prescribed to older people, particularly benzodiazepine and opiates, can become increasingly dangerous. As an individual becomes accustomed to a particular dose, the body builds up a tolerance. This means more medication is needed to achieve the same result. It is not uncommon for individuals who have been on these medications for a long time to be at a very high dose.
Another problem arises when you mix either of these drugs. Whether it is done accidentally or by the order of a physician, taking two strong medications at the same time comes with risk. According to the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH), benzodiazepine overdose rates among older populations are concerning, and interventions to reduce their use are needed. Many people who take these drugs are unaware of the long-term effects and the difficulty involved in coming off of them. Fortunately, most Medicare facilities in New York can help someone get better control of their medications or safely aide them stopping off them completely.
LIST OF TREATMENT FACILITIES THAT ARE COVERED BY MEDICARE IN NEW YORK
The listing below contains treatment services that are covered by Medicare in New York. The list may be incomplete so if you cannot find what you are looking for, please contact one of our treatment specialists at 1-800-304-2219.
