For some people, the cost of rehab and finding out whether or not their health insurance will pay for it is one of the most stressful aspects of early recovery, both detox and after. Most rehabs are notoriously cagey anout how much they charge – they like you to ring first and talk to them about admission stuff – this is a classic sales hook that unfortunately the majority of rehabs use.
Hazelden, one of the main treatment centers providers, say that they estimate a cost of between $25000 and $30000 for a twenty eight day stay in one of their facilities. A few rehabs that do give make their charges public seem to indicate a similar figure. It is probably a fair assumption to usea working figure of $30000 for a twenty eight / thirty day stay in a residential rehab or treatment center.
There is also the so called luxury rehab market, rehabs often based in Malibu, where a similar period of treatmnet can cost upwards of $80000 for a similar residential stay.
Rehab and Health Insurance
Most rehabs , like hospitals , gear their costing towards health insurance, and use this as a marketing technique in their business model. There are a few things to be wary about.Insurance companies seem to work with rehabs on the basis of agreeing cover for the initial detox , if needed , and then for a few days afterwards.
The insurance company will then agree coverage with the rehab for a further bock of days , and do this on a rolling basis until they reach the twenty eight day / thirty day limit . The reason this is important is because if the insurance company declines to continue cover at any point during that period, either the client becomes liable for the remainder of the cost, or will have to leave rehab as soon as cover expires.
This is potentially damaging to the client for two main reasons. It creates uncertainty in the process, even if the client stays. If the client has to leave early, it distorts the whole recovery program, which will be geared to a twenty eight / thirty day regimen, with a structured discharge and aftercare program as an integral part of the program.
Health Insurance Costs
Even if the residential stay is covered by insurance, there are potentially other costs that need to be taken into account.A rehab may have an arrangement with a local hospital to oversee a medical detox, depending on the initial alcohol and drug assessment.
This may even include staying in the hospital itself for afew days. Check the detox arrangements of the rehab, and make sure all costs , including cost of medications are covered under the insurance plan.
Like all claims made under a health insurance policy, you will also probably have to pay any deductible and co-insurance charges that apply to the policy. If your employer pays for your health insurance, check with the rehab and / or insurance company the position regarding confidentiality both during and after rehab.
As with any health issue, but particularly with respect for treatment for alcoholism or other addictions, it is crucially important that there is clarity as to what the employer is told and by whom. This is also really important if the job or profession is one where an admission of a problem with alcohol or drugs could have a significant impact on their future career.
It is also important in this regard that anyone entering rehab is aware of any legal, moral or professional obligation they may have to tell their employer of their position. It may be appropriate in certain circumstances for them to take legal counsel prior to entry.
Rehab Costs – Additional
The figure quoted above is of $30000 for a twenty eight / thirty day residential stay in a rehab. Whatever the actual cost turns out to be, there will be additional charges or extras to consider. These are normally for things like additional medication and additional therapies, depending on what staff are employed at the rehab
It is just important to clarify at the outset with the rehab what additional costs, if any, there might be and agree them prior to to admission. Often a Christian rehab will charge less for long term accomodation, but it is likely to have conditions attached to it,
Health Insurance and Rehab Credit
Somr rehabs offer their own credit facilities, which should operate on similar terms to other financial institutions. If looking to borrow money from anyone to go into rehab, this should only be done as an absolutely last resort, and all other options should be considered carefully first.
Many many people get clean and sober by going straight to meetings of Alcoholica Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, which are completely free. This should certainly be tried first by anyone considering borrowing money to pay for rehab.