How To Get Into Rehab Without Insurance

There are many reasons a person may not be able to access insurance to pay for a rehab program. One reason is that holding a steady job isn’t easy for someone who struggles with alcoholism or substance use disorder.

Without a job, they may not be able to afford a health insurance plan that covers inpatient and outpatient treatment needed for recovery. Others may have a job, but that job may not offer any assistance in paying for a health insurance plan.

Still others may have health insurance plans that offer no coverage for substance use disorder treatment, though changes to the way insurance companies are required to cover addiction treatment ensure this is rarely the case.

Even without insurance to pay for rehab, all hope is not lost. There are plenty of other options to pay for rehab without insurance that an addicted person can try.

Ways To Pay for Rehab Without Insurance

Insurance provides the most efficient way to cover the cost of a rehab program, with most insurance plans covering between 60 and 80 percent of treatment costs.

Without insurance, there are still a variety of ways to pay for rehab, however. The following is a list of some of the best ways for getting addiction treatment without insurance:

State-Funded Rehab Programs

Some states have special drug and alcohol treatment facilities that they fund through grants and federal health plans that are designed for people who have a low income, such as Medicaid.

In order to qualify for state-funded rehab programs, a person usually has to show proof of their income and residency in the state. They may also be required to give information about the severity of their addiction and which substances that they are currently using.

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are another underutilized option. These community health centers receive federal funding to provide care on a sliding fee scale based on income, and many offer substance use disorder treatment regardless of insurance status. Use the HRSA health center finder at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov to locate one nearby.

Grants And Scholarships

SAMHSA administers federal block grant funding that flows to states to support substance use disorder treatment services. Individuals cannot apply directly for personal treatment grants, but SAMHSA’s treatment locator at findtreatment.gov can help connect people with state-funded and low-cost programs in their area.

It is also possible to contact all of the local rehab centers near you to ask if they have any scholarships available that can cover some or all of the costs.

Faith-Based Rehab Programs

Many churches and religious organizations offer faith-based rehab programs that help those who have no means of paying for rehab without insurance.

One good example of this is the Salvation Army. As much as possible, they will help get addicted people food, jobs, and housing, too.

Addiction-Treatment Financing

Some addiction treatment centers are willing to offer private financing to addicted people who need to be admitted quickly without worrying about having to immediately cover the cost.

The way that financing for addiction treatment works is that no payments are due on the loans until at least six months after a person is discharged. This is especially helpful for those who need time to get a job and save up some money afterwards.

Using Savings

Those who are financially stable enough to have a savings account may consider using some of the money that they put away to help cover the cost of their treatment.

While this might sound radical, it is important to remember that the long-term effects of drug and alcohol use can be fatal because of the damage that they do to the body. Drug and alcohol treatment is a wise financial investment.

Payment Plans

Many addiction treatment centers offer payment plans to those who are getting addiction treatment without insurance coverage. These include paying on a sliding-fee scale, or other income-based payment plans.

Sometimes, they may ask for a small amount of money for a down payment as proof of a person’s willingness to pay.

Funding Through Friends Or Family

It isn’t easy to ask other people for money, especially when they are friends or family members. Yet oftentimes friends and family are more than willing to help cover some of the costs of a treatment center so their addicted loved one can finally get the help they need.

Crowdsource Funding

A new way to raise money is by asking strangers for it on a crowdsource website. In order to do this, all a person has to do is create a profile that discusses why they need the money. Then, others who read the profile can decide how much they want to donate to the cause.

Rehab Alternatives For Those Without Insurance

There are several other options available for how to get into rehab without insurance that require a little creative planning.

Sometimes, these addiction treatment options are helpful for those who happen to have a minimum amount of insurance that will only cover a small portion of their treatment.

For example, since inpatient care is the most expensive type of treatment, an addicted person could stick to strictly outpatient care after they are finished with the detoxification program.

It is important to mention that it is best not to attempt to detox alone because withdrawal from some substances can be dangerous.

Outpatient rehab programs, partial hospitalization programs, and intensive outpatient programs are often covered by insurance. If a person has no insurance, these options provide a less expensive treatment route.

Not all individuals will be able to see lasting recovery results without inpatient care, however. It’s important that each individual enter the care level appropriate for the severity of their addiction.

For this reason, it’s important to find funding for the rehab program an addicted individual needs, rather than trying to find a less expensive treatment alternative.

Telehealth-based outpatient treatment has also significantly expanded access to affordable care, with many providers offering virtual intensive outpatient programs at lower costs than in-person alternatives.

Find A Rehab Center Without Using Insurance

Browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more information about addiction recovery.