Is Enrolling in a Rehabilitation Program for Substance Use Disorder Expensive?

Substance use disorder comes with tremendous hardships. Along with ruining the physical health of the addict, it also impacts their financial stability. Most addicts use a majority of their income and most of their savings on procuring and consuming illicit substances, leaving them in heavy debts and loans. In such a situation, it may not be viable for them to opt for medical help. 

Most people feel helpless in such a situation. On the one hand, they want to get over their addiction, and on the other hand, their financial condition doesn’t allow them to seek medical help. Hence, to avoid such a situation in the first place, it is essential to opt for a health insurance program that covers substance use disorders. If you have health insurance under reputable providers such as Cigna, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. But before you opt for a rehab program,  verify your coverage with Cigna. Now, let us look at whether rehabilitation programs are actually expensive and if you really need health insurance for SUD. 

Different Types of Rehabilitation Programs 

The cost of rehabilitation programs varies depending on the center and type of program you choose. While some centers may offer free treatment, others may have luxurious facilities and charge anywhere between a few hundred and thousands of dollars. 

Although you have to research each center and the program to find out the actual cost, here is a brief outline of different types of programs and the average price of enrolling into one: 

  1. Inpatient Rehabilitation Programs: 

Inpatient rehabilitation programs are residential treatment plans where the patient stays in the facility. These plans offer 24/7 medical assistance, personalized therapies, medication-assisted therapy, and overall guidance to improve one’s thought process and lifestyle. 

Some inpatient rehabilitation programs offer luxury amenities such as a gym, swimming pool, and butler. Hence, the cost varies widely depending on the facilities offered. On average, these programs range from $6000 to $30,000 for a 30-day program. In addition, a 60- —to 90-day program can range from $12,000 to $60,000. 

  1. Outpatient Rehabilitation Program: 

Outpatient rehabilitation programs are divided into partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). PHPs are more intense than IOPs, so they are slightly more expensive.

In PHPs, the person is required to spend 5 to 6 hours, seven days a week, in the rehabilitation center, and IOPs are needed to spend 3 to 4 hours, 4 to 5 times a week, in the center. So, logically, IOPs are a little less expensive. 

The average cost of outpatient rehabilitation programs is around $5,000 for a three-month program. However, if it is a PHP program, the price can go up to $10,000. 

  1. Detoxification Programs: 

Detoxification programs solely aim at managing the withdrawal symptoms that come with complete restrainment from drugs and alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms can be very severe. 

Hence, the cost of an outpatient detoxification program can range between $1,000 and $1,500. Inpatient programs include detoxification programs in their plans; you don’t have to pay separately. 

  1. Medication Assisted Therapy: 

The treatment for substance use disorder is always accompanied by various medicines that increase the price tag of the overall program. For instance, methadone treatment for heroin addiction costs up to $4,700 for a whole year. 

Is Rehabilitation Worth the Price? 

As you can see, rehabilitation programs and medicines for substance use disorders come with a heavy price tag. But it is worth it! Addiction is complex, and if the dependency is severe, it is impossible to overcome it alone without any professional help. Hence, rehabilitation centers are worth the money you are paying. 

Conclusion

There is no denying that paying for a rehabilitation program without the assistance of a health insurance program can be financially straining. Hence, it is important to have foresight about the future and opt for a health insurance plan that covers the treatment for substance use disorder. 

Addiction is a lonely journey, but when you are financially secure, recovery becomes comparatively easier. 

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