Addiction treatment can be very expensive and most of the time, this is the reason why a lot of individuals who struggle with marijuana addiction put off their treatment or even resort to working it out on their own. It is alarming to note how abuse of marijuana has marked it the second top reason for hospital admissions in the United States – next to a cocaine overdose.
This calls for the need for addiction treatment and there are multiple ways to experience it at a minimum cost. Truly, it is beneficial for patients to focus on progressing through their treatment plan and worry less about the cost of the services. The following health plans are valuable in financially assisting individuals who seek treatment for their addiction.
The Benefit of the Affordable Healthcare Act of 2010 in Addiction Treatment
Also known as Obamacare, the Affordable Healthcare Act of 2010 ensures that individuals who struggle with substance addiction can now be granted a health insurance policy that covers their addiction treatment. Even if their addiction is a pre-existing ailment, they can benefit from their insurance regardless if it is state-funded or not.
The following are the health plans which can offer a cost friendly or even a free treatment for substance addiction and that includes treatment for marijuana addiction. Many factors affect the level of coverage one can enjoy. However, it definitely is still a huge help when it comes to financially sustaining an addiction treatment.
Federal and State-Funded Health Plans
Individuals who suffer from marijuana addiction may apply for the following federal and state-funded health insurance programs to cover the cost of their addiction treatment. From services necessary in diagnosing their addiction up to aftercare treatment such as individual and group therapies and maintenance drugs, the following programs may cover their cost.
Medicaid
Medicaid is one of the health insurance programs which fund the addiction treatment of individuals whose income falls on the poverty line. As long as they are citizens of the United States or a qualified non-citizen due to residency in a certain state, they can be qualified. Residency is essential to enjoy the varying insurance policies among states.
Although Medicaid can cover the cost of both inpatient and outpatient treatment, not all addiction rehab facilities accept Medicaid. But in a positive light, multiple other facilities do accept Medicaid and it is important to determine which ones are active within one’s area.
It may be likely that Medicaid will not cover the entire cost of the treatment since there are several factors to consider in granting a specific level of insurance policy to a person. The benefit of the program also has limitations such as inpatient treatment for a maximum of 60 days and therapy sessions for a weekly 30-hour limit each year.
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG)
The country’s health agency, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration fuels these funds for the benefit of treating individuals who are suffering from Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and are uninsured or underinsured. This includes those who are struggling with marijuana addiction.
Just like Medicaid, this grant can cover the cost of the basic services in addiction treatment. However, most of the services granted lean more on outpatient treatment. Particularly, they do not grant funding when hospitalizations are involved. They do cater a residential treatment but most likely to priority populations.
Priority populations include the pregnant, individuals who use intravenous drugs and women/teens with dependent children and families. Individuals diagnosed with SUD are considered non-priority. To enjoy the services of SABG, one must be recommended by a health home for enrollment.
Health Insurance from A Private Sector
One can also enjoy free addiction treatment from health insurance policies in privately owned sectors. Although some policies may cover the cost partially, there are also some which may cover it entirely whether it is an inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment. Hospitalizations, detox care, and continuous care can all be covered by insurance.
With Obamacare, a minimum of 60% of the cost of the treatment must be covered by insurance policies. Also, individuals who have not been clinically diagnosed with marijuana addiction or those who are still in the phase of abuse are entitled to enjoy the benefits of the insurance. This was not the case way before the Affordable Healthcare Act of 2010 began.
The most popular health insurance providers in the US which have helped millions of people who are struggling from SUD include United Healthcare, Cigna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and Aetna. These providers have long been proven to be assisting the financial needs of patients who seek treatment for their addiction.
Financing Scheme
Another way of saving oneself from paying for the entire cost of the treatment at once is by applying a financing scheme. This option is well-suited to individuals who are uninsured or cannot qualify for state-funded insurance. This usually involves a third party that offers loans that can be paid on an installment basis.
Another scheme would be to apply for a scholarship granted by certain rehab facilities. It is best to inquire about this system in nearby facilities and find out which ones make a good deal before proceeding to admission. This is also a great opportunity to cut the cost of one’s addiction treatment.
Fundraising
Fundraising is also another great way to save for one’s treatment. This can be personally initiated by the patient who aspires to overcome their addiction or by family members and friends. Although this is really a tough move, it can be very helpful especially when all the other payment options do not work.
GoFundMe is a popular online platform that accepts donations from different parts of the globe. It aims to fund circumstances that put forth a great cause. A great desire to recover from marijuana addiction by seeking treatment is something that should not be brushed off as less important.
