When you think about getting help for your opiate addiction, are thoughts of paying for treatment intimidating? If so, there are options out there to make it possible for you to get the help you want and need so that you can get affordable addiction treatment. From hotline numbers to assistance programs, this list will introduce you to ways that treatment can be attainable.
1. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, otherwise known as SAMHSA, has a free phone number that you can call at any hour of any day. Everything you say will be kept in complete confidence and they can help you any time you have any questions about mental or substance use disorders. The number is 1-800-662-HELP.
2. Most health insurance companies cover some portion of substance use disorder treatment, while some cover your treatment entirely. In 2008, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act was passed. It established legislation that requires the insurance industry to provide the same amount of treatment for mental health and substance use disorder as they provide for medical and surgical care. Of course, treatment options vary greatly based on the need. A stay at an inpatient recovery center will cost more than outpatient treatment, but absolutely check with your insurance company and you may be surprised at how much of your treatment is covered.
3. Another option is to look into treatment programs that are covered by Medicaid. Under the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as “Obamacare” insurance providers (including Medicaid) must cover all basic aspects of drug and alcohol dependency recovery. The type of treatment Medicaid will cover and it differs from state to state. California, for example, provides assistance through Medi-Cal. Residents of cities such as Fresno, California can find a list of facilities and payment options here. SAMHSA also has a list of what Medicaid can cover and they can be found here.
4. If you live in California, you may be interested in learning more about MAT. Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) works with patients to reduce drug overdoses and treat opioid addiction as a chronic addiction. California has also received funding to provide assistance to underserved populations through the MAT Expansion Project, where up to 20,000 individuals with opioid use disorders can get treatment. The Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Expansion Project aims to serve over 20,000 individuals with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), prevent drug overdoses and treat OUD as a chronic disease. The project focuses on populations with limited MAT access and increasing statewide access to buprenorphine.
Deciding to seek help by finding an affordable addiction treatment program is committing to your future health and well-being. It may take some time to find a treatment plan or facility that matches your financial abilities but options are out there. This is an investment that will provide dividends for you for years to come and will give you the freedom to enjoy the best things in life.
1 https://www.integration.samhsa.gov/about-us/what-is-integrated-care
2 http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/issues/mental-health-america-access-care-data
