Can I Get Drug Addiction Help If I Live Below The Poverty Line?

According to studies, the two hugest barriers to seeking professional addiction treatment are figuring out how to pay for the treatment and making the decision to get help. Seeing that drug addiction is a huge problem affecting a significant percentage of the population, many organizations have formulated payment options other than out-of-the-pocket contributions and personal savings.

Lack of funds or stable income can discourage you from pursuing the help you need if you have no information about other payment venues. Don’t worry. This piece will carefully explain all your options if you fall under the low-income earners’ category.

State health insurance programs

Addiction treatment has been given the attention it needs in recent years. Every state participates in the Medicaid and Medicare programs to help citizens get the help they need if they meet specific qualifications. Addiction treatment qualifies to be covered with these two healthcare insurance programs. However, you need to inquire from your prospective rehab center if they accept Medicare and Medicaid.

Medicare

Medicare coverage is available to senior adults aged sixty-five and above. Applicants must be US citizens and should have paid Medicare taxes for about ten years in their lifetime. It is also available for people under the age of sixty provided they are eligible for disability claims.
Medicare covers inpatient addiction treatment, outpatient addiction treatment, and addiction treatment medication.

Medicaid

If you are a low-income earner or you are expectant, you may qualify for Medicaid coverage. Similarly to the Medicare cover, Medicaid covers addiction treatment and mental health care. In this case, benefits and coverage vary depending on the information fed to the authorities and your situation. You might want to confirm the types of addiction treatments your Medicaid plan will cover comfortably without forcing you into your pockets.

Employer assistance programs

You could get lucky if your employer offers an employee assistance program. The programs are designed to help staff members who are experiencing family or personal difficulties. The programs sometimes extend to immediate dependents of the employee. Typically, your employer will pay for certain drug addiction treatment programs in order to keep you focused at work. Consider checking out if your employer offers the benefit through your employment contract or contact the human resources office.

Scholarships

Certain non-profit making organizations strive to help individuals with low income to afford addiction treatment. These programs usually partner with private rehabilitation facilities to reach their target audience. The scholarships vary depending on the class you qualify and the type of rehab center they work with. Research about these organizations and apply for the scholarships to receive quality addiction treatment.

Veteran administration benefits

Ninety percent of veterans deal with post-traumatic stress disorders after the war by turning to drugs and alcohol for comfort and peace of mind. Unfortunately, the story doesn’t always end well for most of them, as many veterans end up developing a dependency on the substances. To help veterans get back on their feet, certain benefits are tailored to cater to various addiction treatment options. Most pair mental health programs with the addiction programs to help them with both needs. Also, some programs provide residential addiction treatment options for veterans who feel they don’t have a stable home environment.

State-funded addiction treatment services

These are state-funded programs that focus on offering addiction treatment to the less fortunate or anyone who feels like they can’t afford addiction treatment. State-funded rehabs are often flocked due to the demand. This forces some to operate on a first-come, first-serve basis while others will handle addicts depending on the severity meter. Due to the delay paralysis caused by waiting lists, some programs have incorporated interim care alternatives that facilitate group therapy, sponsor programs, and other outpatient services.

To qualify for state-funded treatment, you must provide the following information:

  • Level of income.
  • Proof of residence.
  • Information about your drug addiction history.
  • Identity information that proves you are a legal resident of the US.

Thanks to state funds, federal assistance, and grants from donors, many states can now afford to provide subsidized addiction treatment to manage the drug and alcohol dependency epidemic. Lack of funds shouldn’t be the reason why you postpone your treatment. These above options are full proof that addiction treatment can become a reality regardless of your financial situations.

If you’ve been looking for an excellent treatment facility that will listen to your needs and stresses, we are here for you. Call us now at 800-411-8019 to book an appointment with our representatives and let us lead you to sobriety.