When searching for alcohol rehab, you may worry about how to cover the cost of treatment. Some people may worry that they won’t be able to afford treatment, and others may worry that they will have to spend a lot of money. Luckily, insurance can provide a way to help you cover some or all of the costs of addiction treatment. Whether its private or public, insurance plans are required to provide some type of coverage for medically necessary substance use disorder treatment. Understanding your insurance benefits, how to verify your coverage, and how to find rehab treatment near you can help you start your journey to recovery.

Does Insurance Cover Rehab for Alcohol Addiction?

Private or public insurance may be able to help you cover some or all of the cost of addiction treatment. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), requires long-term private and public insurance plans to cover 10 essential health benefits including treatment for mental and behavioral health disorders.³This includes treatment for substance use disorder. The exact amount of coverage will depend on your specific insurance plan, and you may be responsible for costs like your deductible, copayment, or coinsurance.⁴

The two main types of insurance are private and public. Private insurance includes coverage you get through an employer (group plans) and coverage you buy on your own (non-group plans).¹ Public health insurance consists of Medicare, a federal plan for older and disabled Americans, and Medicaid, which is state-based coverage for lower-income Americans.²Both private and public insurance are bound by the provisions of the ACA, meaning both can help provide coverage for medically-necessary substance use disorder treatment.³

One important factor is choosing a treatment program that’s within your insurance provider’s network. Many health insurance plans don’t offer any coverage for non-emergency care outside of the network, and if there is coverage it will be much more expensive.⁵

Alcohol Rehab Services Covered by Insurance

There are a variety of treatment options for substance use disorder. Some are more intensive than others, and some allow you to live at home while others do not. The right treatment for your needs will be determined by working with your doctor. They may ask questions about the substances you use, how long you’ve been using them, and what your home environment is like.

Some common rehab options include:^6,7

Medical detox: Detoxification is a process during which your body rids itself of substances. During detox you may experience potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. As a result, many may find detox programs that are managed 24/7 by a team of licensed medical professionals a safer option. This process can help you stabilize before moving onto a more intensive type of treatment.
Inpatient rehab programs: Inpatient and residential treatment programs enable you to live at the facility so that you can receive 24/7 assistance while working towards recovery. inpatient programs generally offer a variety of group and individual therapies, one-on-one counseling, and specialty programs to help you achieve recovery. Inpatient programs usually take place in a hospital setting and can last for a few weeks to a month. Residential programs are usually set in rehab facilities and can last a few months to a year.
Outpatient programs: Outpatient programs can assist individuals who need to reside at home during treatment. Outpatient programs allow you to receive treatment at a facility while still living at home and participating in work, school, and daily life.
Aftercare: Aftercare is a program that helps individuals maintain recovery after completing a comprehensive inpatient or outpatient program. Aftercare plans usually connect you with sober individuals, groups, and support networks like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to help you maintain recovery.

Insurance Providers that Offer Alcohol Rehab Coverage

There are a wide variety of insurance companies with plans that offer rehab insurance. For example, you’ll find addiction treatment insurance coverage in plans from providers such as:

The exact amount of coverage and how much you pay out of pocket depends on your individual plan, so if you have the opportunity, compare plans before making your final decision on insurance coverage.

Types of Insurance Plans Used for Alcohol Treatment

There are different types of health insurance plans available, and each one works a bit differently. This can impact how your provider network works, as well as how much you pay out-of-pocket when you use your rehab insurance coverage.

Two of the most common are Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans.

HMO plans limit your coverage to providers within the insurance plan’s network. You might be able to get emergency care outside the network, but regular care (and substance use rehab) will need to be from doctors and providers in the network.⁸
PPO plans have more flexibility but may have a higher monthly premium. You pay less if you use in-network providers, but may be able to use other providers at a higher cost.⁸

Knowing the type of insurance plan you have will help you find the right treatment center for your needs.

How to Pay for Rehab Without Insurance

Even those who do not have private insurance can attend rehab at an affordable cost. You might qualify for public insurance coverage that can help you with your treatment costs. Medicare is available for those 65 and older and those who are disabled or have specific health conditions.⁹ Medicaid eligibility varies by state but is generally based on income and family size.¹⁰You may qualify for VA coverage if you are an honorably discharged veteran.¹¹All three of these public insurance plans can help reduce the cost of addiction treatment for eligible individuals.

If you can’t get health insurance, you can still pay for your substance use treatment in other ways. For example:

Private Pay & Payment Plans: You can use savings, a loan, or money from friends and family to pay for your treatment privately. Many treatment centers also have payment plans that can make this process easier.
Sliding Scale Fees: Some treatment centers have a sliding scale of fees where you pay less if you’re lower-income.
Scholarships and Grants: Many treatment centers have scholarship options for those who cannot afford treatment. You’ll need to find out the requirements and how to apply.
State-Funded or Free Rehab Programs: Many states have specific rehab programs that are low-cost or free. These can be a great way to get the care you need even if you can’t afford the costs of traditional private treatment.

How to Find Alcohol Rehabs that Accept my Insurance

Finding a rehab near you that works with your insurance doesn’t need to be a difficult process. A good starting step would be to contact your doctor or medical professional and talk to them about your substance use concerns. They can determine what treatment you need and connect you to in-network rehab centers. The SAMHSA treatment locator is another way to find rehabs that are near you.

Another option is to contact an addiction helpline. These helplines can answer questions you have about the rehab process and how to use your insurance to cover some or all of the costs. For example, you can contact American Addiction Centers (AAC) at any time by calling .

AAC operates a variety of treatment centers around the country and is proud to be in-network for many insurance plans. If you’re ready to start on the path to a happier, healthier life, we can help. Contact us today.

Paying for Alcohol Rehab with Insurance