Finances are one of the biggest barriers for people getting the help they need. But rehab, like any other medical requirement, shouldn’t be postponed or avoided because of costs. There are a number of ways to pay for rehab that are accessible and affordable, and most importantly, that don’t mean compromising the quality of care you receive.
In the US, over 54 million people needed treatment for a substance use disorder in 2022. Of those people, 41.5 million did not receive treatment [1]. This gap not only puts individuals at risk of harm, but it can also increase the likelihood of developing other disorders and impact long-term recovery efforts.
Here’s how to pay for rehab in Arizona and make recovery more of a reality.
What Is Rehab?
Rehab is short for rehabilitation. Rehab centers provide structured treatment to help you overcome a substance use disorder (SUD), such as for alcohol, opioids, or prescription drugs.
Treatment includes evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), to address the root causes of addiction and to identify and reframe behaviors that fuel substance use. It may also integrate Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) to alleviate substance withdrawal symptoms and cravings in severe cases. Meanwhile, wellness activities such as yoga and meditation nurture physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Rehab is available for dual diagnosis, which is when you have an SUD and a co-occurring mental health disorder such as depression.
The structure of rehab treatment is typically:
|
Level of Care |
Description |
|
Detox |
Safely remove substances from your body while under 24/7 supervision |
|
Residential |
Do intense therapy work and receive medication (if needed) while staying overnight in a rehab facility |
|
Partial Hospitalization (PHP) |
Continue intense care, but return home in the evening |
|
Intensive Outpatient (IOP) |
Gradually reduce the level of care and continue living at home |
|
Aftercare |
Receive ongoing resources, traditional outpatient therapy, and community after finishing rehab treatment |
Research repeatedly shows that rehab is effective for SUD treatment. Care can reduce substance use and increase the likelihood of abstinence [2] [3]. All treatment at rehab should be personalized to individuals. Tailored care has a positive impact on your motivation and even the effectiveness of the rehab program [4].
Does My Insurance Cover Rehab Treatment?
Most commercial insurance companies cover rehab treatment. To confirm, you’ll have to check that your insurance provider is “in-network” for the rehab center you need to attend. “In-network” means that the center accepts your insurance provider. You can usually find this information on the center’s website or by speaking with the admissions team.
You’ll then have to contact the rehab center to carry out a Verification of Benefits (VOB). This process will confirm if your insurance provider and plan will pay for the treatment you need, and if there will be any additional costs.
What Is Verification Of Benefits (VOB)?
Verification of Benefits are the steps you take to check that your insurance is accepted by the rehab center, and that your insurance plan covers the treatment you need. When you first contact the center, the team will ask you for information to carry out a VOB. The information includes your:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Copy of your insurance card (front and back)
- Policyholder’s information
- Member ID and group number
- Insurance provider contact details
- Information about the level of care you need
The whole process should only take a few minutes. The admissions team should be able to give you a clear breakdown of what your insurance covers and if there are any additional costs.
Do Insurance Providers Have to Cover Rehab?
Certain legislation exists that improves the likelihood of your rehab care being covered by insurance. Laws include the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) was passed in 2008. It’s a federal law that mandates insurance companies to cover substance use disorders (and other behavioral health) to the same degree as medical and surgical procedures. MPAEA means:
- Health insurance providers cannot have higher financial requirements or stricter limitations for substance use care
- Health insurance providers must cover all levels of care for substance use equally (i.e., detox, residential, partial hospitalization, outpatient, and aftercare)
ACA was established in 2010 and requires health insurance companies to provide care in specific categories, including for substance use disorders. The act is an important recognition that addiction care is valid, needed, and effective.
MHPAEA and ACA do not guarantee that your rehab costs are automatically covered. There may also still be additional costs for care.
Alternative Payment Options For Rehab
Alternative payment options for rehab treatment are:
- Financing options from the center
- Paying out-of-pocket
Financing options from the rehab center may include incremental payment plans, scholarships, and sliding scale fees. These options may be tailored to your unique situation. You’ll have to contact the center to confirm if they have financing options, and if there is flexibility to align with your needs.
Paying out-of-pocket is an option for any type of rehab care, but doing so will be more expensive than using insurance. Some people choose to pay themselves if they don’t have insurance or if their provider is not in-network for the rehab center. Before choosing to pay out-of-pocket, speak with the rehab admissions team, they may be able to suggest a more affordable route.
High-Quality, Accessible Rehab Treatment At Buena Vista Health & Recovery Center, AZ
We are a leading rehab facility for substance use disorders. Our team of licensed professionals provides tailored care to help you move forward on the path to long-term recovery.
Our centers in Chandler and Tucson, AZ, span 50,000 square feet each and are fully equipped for effective, compassionate treatment.
We take a holistic approach to rehab that blends evidence-based therapies, medication where needed, and wellness activities. We never judge, and we strive to serve all people in Arizona and beyond who need a helping hand to find stability.
We accept most commercial insurance providers, and we have financing options available for people who need them. Contact us to discuss payment routes that suit you and facilitate your healing. Call us now.
Sources
[1] SAMHSA. (November 2023). Results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH): Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States. library.samhsa.gov.
[2] Andrade, D. et al. (August 2019). The effectiveness of residential treatment services for individuals with substance use disorders: A systematic review. Drug and Alcohol Dependence.
[3] Beaulieu, M. et al. (September 2021). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of the long-term treatment and support of substance use disorders. Social Science & Medicine.
[4] Psychology Today. (July 2024). A Personalized Plan Is Key to Overcoming Substance Use. psychologytoday.com.
