Originally written on: Sunday, 07 April 2019 Last edited on: Wednesday, 31 July 2019

Payment Options for Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment in the United States

Throughout the United States, there are typically two different categories for drug treatment service providers, and this is the state or government-funded sector, and the private sector. The largest difference between these two services is the cost. The government or state-funded programs will cost less, than what the private facilities will charge, however; private and state-funded programs will often provide payment options or payment assistance. The first choice would be self-payment, which means paying for the treatment out of pocket. Private programs will always have a cost attached to them, and the cost will be determined by how long the program is or if there are elaborate luxuries provided. State funded drug treatment centers will also cost something, unless it is 100% funded and free, yet; the cost is low and affordable. State financed services are one of the most common services you will find within local communities, across the United States. These are the addiction and mental health services, which provide things such as counseling, treatment, detox, and short-term treatment options.

Private drug and alcohol treatment programs within the United States and even state financed programs, can often work with private health insurance. Health insurance plans can help cover some of the cost for treatment, and each plan is different, and will be dependent upon the health insurance provider. Through employee health insurance programs, there are services such as employee assistance programs. Employee assistance programs provide short-term help for employees and their dependents. When you have health insurance through your employer, you will have access to these services 24 hours a day, for whatever type of problem you may be struggling with. Along with health insurance, there is also payment assistance, where an outside third-party would offer payment assistance for the individual attending the drug treatment facility. This could be through a loan or a grant, and some type of medical financing.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration do fund a program, which provides access to recovery vouchers. This program allows an addict to apply for a voucher, to choose the drug and alcohol treatment program they want. There are specific criteria for who can apply, and various drug and alcohol treatment programs throughout the United States, apply for the funding to be part of this program. Sliding fee scales is also common payment options, where the cost of the program would be based on what the client and or the family can pay. Typically, this is for low-income families, or anyone who is unable to pay a certain amount. Sliding fee scales and different payment options such as these can be useful resources to utilize. The priority should be finding the right type of treatment and rehabilitation, and when an addict can attend a drug rehab center where they feel comfortable, they will increase their ability to maintain their sobriety.