Understanding Financial Aid Options for Drug & Alcohol Treatment

A survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in 2008 found that 5.9 percent of adults over the age of 26 used illegal drugs. The same study found that 6.9 percent of all people over the age of 12 drink heavily. Drug and alcohol treatment includes both inpatient and outpatient care.

Health Insurance

• Most, but not all, health insurance policies cover drug and alcohol treatment. Many policies limit coverage to one treatment program during the patient̵7;s lifetime.

Medicare

• Medicare is a federal program that helps pay for medical care for elderly and disabled. It also covers treatment for drug and alcohol addiction for those that qualify.

Medicaid

• Medicaid is a state-administered program available (for those that qualify) in every state that helps pay for medical care. The criteria vary from state to state, but in all states, recipients must meet specific income guidelines.

Assistance from Hospitals and Treatment Centers

• Most general hospitals have funds available to help pay for care for low-income patients. Not all general hospitals have drug and alcohol treatment units, but some do. Private treatment centers are less likely to have programs available for low-income patients, but some do.

County Mental Health Boards

• In most counties, the county mental health board has funds to help pay for mental health services for low-income patients, and this usually includes treatment for drugs and alcohol. The available assistance varies from county to county, though.