Seeking addiction treatment is a courageous first step toward recovery. However, concerns about financing this treatment can create unnecessary barriers to getting help. Understanding the various payment options can make the process less daunting and more accessible. In this guide, we’ll explore multiple ways to pay for addiction treatment, ensuring you or your loved one can access the care needed for lasting recovery.
Insurance Coverage for Addiction Treatment
Many people don’t realize that their health insurance often provides coverage for addiction treatment services. Since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance providers are required to cover mental health and substance use disorder services as essential health benefits.
1. Private Insurance
Private insurance plans often provide the most comprehensive coverage for addiction treatment services. These plans typically offer more options and flexibility than government-funded insurance programs.
At Lighthouse Recovery Texas, we work with most private insurance providers on an in-network basis, which means lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums than other facilities. Some of the insurance providers we commonly work with include:
- Aetna
- Ambetter
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Bright Healthcare
- Cigna
- Friday
- Humana
- Magellan
- Multiplan
- Optum
- And many more
Our clinical programs, such as the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), are covered by insurance. However, it’s important to note that Sober Living and Recovery Coaching are not yet considered “reimbursable services” by most insurance providers.
2. Verifying Your Insurance Benefits
Before beginning treatment, verifying your insurance benefits is crucial to understand what is covered and what out-of-pocket expenses you might incur. At Lighthouse, we’ve streamlined this process by offering a confidential insurance benefits verification service. By filling out a simple form on our website, our admissions team can verify your coverage and explain your benefits in detail.
During the verification process, be sure to ask specific questions such as:
- What types of addiction treatment does my plan cover?
- What is my deductible, and has it been met for the year?
- What are my co-pay or co-insurance responsibilities?
- Is there a limit to the number of days or sessions my insurance will cover?
- Do I need pre-authorization before beginning treatment?
Private Pay Options
Not everyone has insurance coverage or wishes to use their insurance for addiction treatment. Some individuals prefer to keep their treatment private or may have insurance plans with limited behavioral health coverage.
For clients who choose not to use their insurance or have limited coverage, we offer competitive private pay rates. This option provides flexibility and privacy, as treatment is not reported to insurance companies.
In-House Financing at Lighthouse Recovery
Understanding that cost should not be a barrier to treatment, Lighthouse Recovery Texas offers in-house financing options for those who need assistance managing the cost of care. Our finance team works with clients to create manageable payment plans tailored to individual financial situations.
Employer-Based Options
Many people are unaware that their workplace may offer benefits specifically designed to help employees during difficult times, including when seeking treatment for substance use disorders.
1. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Many employers offer Employee Assistance Programs that provide short-term counseling and referral services to employees dealing with personal problems, including substance abuse. EAPs can sometimes cover the initial assessment and a limited number of counseling sessions.
2. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
The Family and Medical Leave Act provides job-protected leave to address mental health conditions, including addiction treatment. Eligible employees may take up to 12 work weeks of leave for their serious health condition, which can include substance use disorders.
At Lighthouse, we work with clients to submit the proper FMLA paperwork, ensuring they have the time needed to focus on their recovery without worrying about job security.
Additional Payment Options
Beyond insurance and employer benefits, several other financial resources can help cover the cost of addiction treatment. Exploring these options may reveal solutions you hadn’t considered.
1. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
HSAs and FSAs allow individuals to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses, including addiction treatment services. These accounts can reduce the overall cost of treatment through tax savings.
2. Personal Loans
Some individuals choose to take out personal loans from banks or credit unions to pay for addiction treatment. While this adds debt, it can make treatment immediately accessible with manageable monthly payments over time.
3. Credit Cards
Medical credit cards or traditional credit cards can be used to finance treatment. Some medical credit cards offer interest-free promotional periods, which can be beneficial if the balance can be paid off during that time.
4. Friends and Family Support
Don’t underestimate the willingness of loved ones to help. Many people in recovery have received financial support from friends and family who recognize the value of treatment and want to invest in their loved one’s health and future.
5. Scholarships and Financial Aid
Some treatment centers offer scholarships or financial aid based on need. These opportunities are typically limited and may have specific qualifying criteria. It’s worth inquiring about such options when researching treatment facilities.
Considerations When Choosing How to Pay
When deciding how to finance addiction treatment, consider these factors:
1. Long-Term Value vs. Short-Term Cost
While the cost of treatment can seem high initially, consider it an investment in long-term health, productivity, and quality of life. Untreated addiction often leads to much higher costs over time, including medical complications, legal issues, and loss of employment.
2. Comprehensive Treatment vs. Minimal Care
The least expensive option isn’t always the most effective. Consider what level of care is needed for sustainable recovery. At Lighthouse, we offer a continuum of care with different program lengths:
- Partial Hospitalization (PHP): Typically a 4-week program
- Intensive Outpatient (IOP): Usually a 3-month program
- Sober Living: Minimum 3-month commitment (average stay is 4-5 months)
- Recovery Coaching: Most clients work with a coach for 6-12 months
3. Quality Indicators
Look for treatment centers that are accredited by reputable organizations. Lighthouse adheres to and surpasses the industry’s highest standards and is certified by:
- The Joint Commission (JCAHO)
- Hall of Fame Health as the only Elite Outpatient Care Center in Dallas, TX
- The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP)
- National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC)
Making Treatment Accessible
At Lighthouse Recovery Texas, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to receiving quality addiction treatment. Our admissions team works diligently to help clients understand their payment options and find solutions that make treatment financially feasible.
We’ve streamlined our process to make getting help easy. Most clients starting the Partial Hospitalization (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient (IOP) program can begin as quickly as the next day after contacting us.
Next Steps: Getting Help for Addiction
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, don’t let financial concerns prevent you from seeking help. There are numerous options available to make treatment accessible and affordable.
The first step is to discuss your situation with a treatment provider who can guide you through the financial aspects of care while focusing on what truly matters—recovery and a healthier future.
Get Started Today
Getting started is easy. Use one of the options below to get in touch with a Lighthouse Staff member. We’ll discuss your needs, expectations for Treatment, and our programming options. We look forward to speaking with you and thank you for your trust.
- Call us at (214) 396-0259
- Verify your insurance online
- Fill out our contact form
Remember, the most expensive decision is to delay treatment. The cost of addiction—to your health, relationships, and future—far outweighs the cost of getting help. Reach out today, and take the first step toward a life of recovery and wellness.
References
1. Abraham, A. J., Andrews, C. M., Grogan, C. M., D’Aunno, T., Humphreys, K. N., Pollack, H. A., & Friedmann, P. D. (2017). The Affordable Care Act Transformation of Substance Use Disorder Treatment. American journal of public health, 107(1), 31–32. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2016.303558
2. U.S. Department of Labor. (n.d.). The Family and Medical Leave Act serious health condition – continuing treatment by a health care provider. https://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/whd/fmla/10c9.aspx
3. Merrick, E. S., Volpe-Vartanian, J., Horgan, C. M., & McCann, B. (2007). Alcohol & drug abuse: Revisiting employee assistance programs and substance use problems in the workplace: key issues and a research agenda. Psychiatric services (Washington, D.C.), 58(10), 1262–1264. https://doi.org/10.1176/ps.2007.58.10.1262
