Dealing with a substance use disorder causes a lot of difficult emotions and situations for people. Long-time abuse of alcohol and drugs can take a toll on a person’s physical health. Their mental health often feels the impact, especially if they already deal with co-occurring disorders. These can include diagnoses like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and others.
One thing that may complicate a person’s decision to seek treatment for their substance use disorder is worrying about paying for services. Panic about this may cause some people to postpone looking for treatment. They might assume help is out of reach. Knowing options for getting the care they deserve can motivate them to enter treatment and begin recovery.
Accessing Help From Current Insurance Coverage
If a person suffering from addiction currently has insurance coverage, start there. Call the company and ask what services they provide. Ask them to be specific about details, including:
- How much coverage the company covers
- What the person’s out-of-pocket expenses will be
- Which facilities they can access for treatment
- If there is a limit to how long they can stay in a residential or hospitalization program
- If there is a limit to the number of psychotherapy appointments they can have
- If additional outpatient help is covered, such as medical evaluations, nutritional counseling, and holistic treatment
- If any paperwork or lab work needs to be completed before coverage begins
Knowing the answers to these questions helps those struggling to make the best choices for themselves. If necessary, they may choose an alternate insurance plan that allows better or more coverage.
The Benefits of Using the Affordable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted in March 2010. Sometimes referred to as “Obamacare,” one of the goals of the sweeping insurance reform act was to make insurance more affordable for low-income and middle-class people. The ACA considers mental and behavioral health to be essential factors in a person’s overall health. It includes the coverage of mental health and substance use disorders. The inclusion of these services is a game-changer because many traditional insurance plans offer limited or no coverage for those conditions.
Plans offered under ACA must include coverage for:
- Substance use disorder (this includes alcohol and drug addiction)
- Mental and behavioral health services
- Therapy and counseling related to behavioral health treatment
The scope and cost of coverage depending on the plan you choose and may vary by state. Be sure to read through the coverage specifics for each plan you consider using.
Another bonus of ACA is that it covers pre-existing conditions. For someone who already deals with an addiction or mental health disorders, this proves helpful. Many other insurance plans offer no coverage for any condition that existed before signing up with their company. ACA plans cannot increase their fees for pre-existing conditions.
ACA plans do not limit the dollar amount of coverage needed for addiction and mental health conditions. The lack of these financial limitations on coverage can make a huge difference for people who need long-term residential or hospitalization programs.
Using Loans or Credit to Pay for Addiction Treatment
If a person cannot use insurance for treatment services, look into traditional options for borrowing money. Many financial institutions offer loans for medical care. Speak to a representative at your bank about options. An online search can also turn up alternatives for other financial institutions.
While running up credit card debt may not feel like a sound move, credit can be an option. A card from a legitimate institution, such as Visa or Mastercard, offers multiple choices. Search for ones that offer low interest rates. Check for ones that have no annual fee or a small one. Regular payments, especially ones that are above the minimum amount, will help a person pay down their debt in a timely manner.
Investigating Other Private Pay Options
Talk to family members and close friends. See if they have any ideas for ways to finance treatment for substance use disorder. A person who shows that they are serious about seeking help may find those who love them are eager to offer financial assistance. They may offer monetary help as a gift. If they prefer to provide personal loans, be honest about how quickly you can make restitution. The person may have had treatment previously that proved unsuccessful. If so, be prepared to discuss what will make this time different. Consider things like being ready and willing in a way you weren’t before. Loved ones who have reason to believe a loan or gift of paying for treatment will prove fruitful are more inclined to provide financial assistance.
Once a person decides to seek treatment for their substance use disorder, the idea of how to pay for services can be intimidating. Investigating your options will help you find the right answer. Talk to your insurance company and look into the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Check out private pay options such as personal loans, credit cards, and the generosity of family members and friends. The Detox Center of Colorado understands the difficulty of preparing for detoxification and residential treatment. We can help you find the right plan for your budget. We will talk to you about your financial and familial needs and develop a program that suits your needs. Our detoxification program is the first step in becoming sober and rejoining life. We offer medical and psychological supervision, all against the backdrop of the beauty of the Denver area. Call us today at (303) 952-5035 to find out how to put your recovery plans in motion.
