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American Addiction Centers National Rehabs Directory

Paying for Alcohol Rehab Without Insurance

Paying for rehab without insurance may hold some people back from seeking the alcohol treatment they need. But you do have options to help pay for the cost of rehab without insurance. Keep reading to learn more.

How Much Does Addiction Treatment Cost?

The cost of an addiction treatment program will depend on various factors. Everyone will have slightly different price points that will affect the overall cost. The largest cost factor is the type of program you participate in. For example, you may choose from the following types of programs:1

A more intensive type of treatment that involves staying at a treatment center for the length of treatment will cost more than a treatment program that has sessions only once or twice a week.

Other factors that can affect the cost of treatment include:

  • Types of treatment used.
  • Location of the facility.
  • Length of the stay.
  • Treatment center amenities.

How to Get Drug or Alcohol Treatment without Insurance

If you don’t have insurance, don’t worry. You still have other options to help you afford the treatment you need.

Payment Plans and Sliding Scales

When you call an alcohol treatment facility, let them know about your financial situation. Ask them if they offer discounted treatment or sliding scale costs. A sliding scale is a cost adjustment that is usually based on financial need.

You can also ask if they have other financing options, such as making low monthly payments instead of paying for everything upfront.

When you call, make sure you have your financial info ready since you may need to show proof of income to qualify.

Scholarships and Grants

You may also be able to pay for rehab through a scholarship or grant. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers grants for addiction treatment every year.3 Some SAMHSA grants offer funding for specific groups, such as pregnant people, IV drug users, and more.

There are also nonprofit groups, such as Face the Music, that offer scholarships to help people without insurance access addiction treatment. Some treatment centers also offer scholarships for low-income people; be sure to ask any centers you’re interested in when you call.

Government and State-Funded Programs

State-funded rehab programs are facilities that receive grants or subsidies from the federal government to run treatment programs. These facilities are typically no-frills and may not provide amenities such as a private room. Get in touch with your state mental health or substance use agency to begin the process of entering a state-funded rehab.

SAMHSA offers a search tool that makes it easy to find contact information: Directory of Single State Agencies (SSA) for Substance Abuse Services. You may have to provide proof of residency, lack of income, addiction status, and so on when applying for government funding for treatment.

Financing Options

Some alcohol treatment centers will offer financing, which can help lessen the cost burden. The rehab center can work with you on a repayment plan that spreads out the cost over time instead of having to pay it all at once. Be sure to ask about interest rates and any payment requirements so you understand what you’ll need to pay and when.

You may also be able to get loans or lines of credit from a bank or credit union.

Community Support

Many peer-support groups are often free. These will provide addiction recovery services as well as support. Some of the community-based rehab support groups include:

  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA helps you stop drinking through the support of peers, using a faith-based 12-Step program as a guide.
  • SMART Recovery teaches practical skills to cope with SUDs in both in-person and online group settings.
  • Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) is a mutual-help group that emphasizes personal empowerment and does not include spirituality as part of the group process.

Can I Get Insurance for Addiction Treatment?

You may still qualify for health insurance even if you don’t currently have it. Some health insurance options you may want to explore include:

  • Health insurance marketplace: Through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all marketplace plans must provide essential health benefits, including mental health and substance use treatment.6 Visit Healthcare.gov to learn more.
  • COBRA: If you recently lost your job-based health insurance coverage, you may qualify for COBRA. It allows workers and their families to stay in an employee group insurance plan for a limited time after they lose their benefits.
  • Medicare: Medicare is government healthcare for adults who are 65 and older or who have certain disabilities.
  • Medicaid: This program is also funded by federal funds and administered through the states. Eligibility is determined by a person’s income level and other factors. Each state has its own criteria.
  • Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits: VA benefits are administered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans can receive treatment for substance misuse using this insurance.

How to Find Addiction Treatment Near Me Without Insurance

Don’t let your finances get in the way of getting treatment. At American Addiction Centers (AAC), we can direct you to facilities and options for alcohol addiction treatment at low or no cost. We have top-quality alcohol treatment facilities in locations across the U.S. that treat addiction. Call to learn about your options.

Other resources to help you find low-cost or free alcohol treatment include:

  • SAMHSA Treatment Finder: Find high-quality treatment and learn more about the cost of treatment and payment options.
  • Shatterproof ATLAS: Use ATLAS, offered by the not-for-profit organization Shatterproof, to find an addiction treatment center at low or no cost.

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