Exploring the Challenges of Drug Rehab Insurance

There has never been a time in the nation's history where the need for proper drug treatment and rehabilitation has been more vital. It is estimated that over 100 people will die every day due to the sweeping opioid epidemic that continues to be at the forefront of America's fight against drug abuse and addiction. For millions of Americans currently struggling with the abuse of such drugs like opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, alcohol and other illicit street drugs, it becomes absolutely vital that the proper treatment in found. There are many helpful options available for those currently suffering from drug addiction. Considering the extent of the drug abuse and the condition of the individual, it is sometimes necessary to seek out more comprehensive treatment options such as drug rehabilitation therapy, which can play an essential role in the overall recovery from prolonged abuse of alcohol, opioids, and other dangerous narcotics. This is particularly true for those suffering from prolonged periods of severe addiction to harmful narcotics and many consider these services life-saving for those unable to manage their own illness. Drug rehabilitation is the intensive focus on helping an individual currently struggling with drug or alcohol addiction recover, manage, and cope with the destructive effects of this crippling disease. Since there are so many different types of drug rehab options, it is important to note that most of these centers put an emphasis on helping those recovering from a drug addiction become functional, healthy members in society through a combination of group therapy, meditation, exercise, and many other programs that often include the use of prescription medication.

Cost

Like any type of insurance, there are many reasons why someone would make a major investment in an insurance carrier. This can be especially true for those that are currently struggling with alcohol, opioid, methamphetamine, heroin or any other type of addiction that requires professional medical treatment. Accordingly, the costs associated with proper counseling can be economically unfeasible for the typical individual, so one major benefit to drug rehab insurance directly relates to cost. Unfortunately, there are limited numbers of insurance carriers that currently exist to provide coverage for those seeking drug rehab services, often making the premiums unaffordable. This has presented a challenge to the many people suffering from drug addiction as well as the clinicians themselves, whom often have to deal with inadequate insurance providers. This often leads to frustration between the clinic and the insurance company, especially when the individual is able to only cover a small portion of their overall treatment cost. The price of drug abuse alone is high, not to mention the cost associated with seeking the proper treatment for a long-standing drug addiction. It is estimated that someone addicted to alcohol will spend thousands of dollars a year to feed their destructive habits, with much more possibly being contributed to supporting other areas of their disparaging lifestyle. Without the proper help, it is likely someone coping with a developing drug addiction will continue to abuse narcotics until they are injured, experience an overdose, or killed. Accordingly, it has become important for all people currently suffering from drug addiction to understand the resources available in order to obtain adequate drug counseling. This is where having adequate rehab insurance becomes so vital. Fortunately, there are many different types of drug rehabilitation services available to the general public; however, many of these services come at different costs and not everyone can afford them. This invariably has led millions in dire need of the most basic rehab services to believe that drug rehab is not a viable option. For example, a detox treatment facility that specializes in helping patients recuperate from extensive drug abuse can average around $1,000.00 and upwards to over $3,000.00. With insurance, however, these costs can be drastically reduced to more affordable rates, and in some cases the insurance may cover the entire cost of any prescription medications that are essential towards the patient's recovery. This is important because most rehab facilities rely heavily on various forms of prescription medications, such as Methadone, in order to help individuals cope better with their disabling conditions post treatment. This is particularly true for those suffering from heroin withdraws, which are often characterized as extremely painful and traumatic. There are also more extensive programs, such as inpatient and outpatient therapy, that can be as high as $65,000.00, making it absolutely imperative that the patient carries insurance to cover these exorbitant fees. Inpatient and outpatient therapies typically cover a long range of vital services that help recovering addicts with 24-hour support from experienced drug counselors. Often times these centers will resort to using medically assisted drug programs that help the patient detox in a controlled environment while doctors and staff assist in monitoring and administering effective treatment. Because support and encouragement is crucial for the recovery stages, these centers allow visitations from family members and friends. Considering the major financial risks associated with drug treatment, many people ask whether or not maintaining drug rehab insurance is even worth it. Currently, it is approximated that substance abuse across the U.S. is worth over $600 billion yearly and this cost is projected to only increase as more people are admitted due to injuries and overdosing. Accordingly, with the rising costs of prescription medical treatments, it is likely premiums for drug rehab insurance will continue to rise as well. This is where it becomes difficult for the average consumer to determine the cost effectiveness of drug rehab insurance, which is often unable to fully compensate for the amount of treatment needed to provide proper recovery for the addict. In fact, many people at risk of being hospitalize due to accidental overdosing will not be able to cover the full cost of their prescription medical treatments alone. This aspect becomes especially troublesome if they are admitted to the Emergency room while currently uninsured. This makes for a dangerous precedent for all addicts currently in need of counseling who are unsure whether or not drug rehab insurance is a viable option for their addictions.

Using Drug Rehab Insurance

There are two main types of drug rehab insurance programs that people struggling with addiction can take advantage of: private and public programs. For people seeking insurance to manage their drug abuse, the best solution may be to research what their employer's medical plan offers and determine whether drug rehab therapy is covered and at what percentage. If this is not an option or you are currently unemployed, then there are still many different types of public insurance that can help make drug rehab more affordable. Due to the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), there are now many mental health and substance abuse treatment plans that cover parts of important rehab treatment services. These include medications, detox treatment, and more. Seeking the right treatment early on is also an important factor in obtaining adequate medical treatment. Unfortunately, statistics have proven that there is a significant shortfall in the amount of people currently eligible for drug rehab insurance against those that actually receive proper treatment throughout their recovery. In fact, only 10% of those that meet the eligibility requirements ever get the any form of rehabilitation treatment due to the common barriers associated with their insurance. One of the greatest obstacles reported as it relates to the issue of using drug rehab insurance includes the inadequacies of their current medical coverage. Despite the ACA providing mental and drug addiction healthcare coverage, not all facilities currently take such coverage. This ultimately limits those currently participating in marketplace insurance from taking advantage of available rehab services. With the number of private insurance programs willing to cover the costs of drug rehab facilities dropping every year, many people find themselves completely unable to find the means to pay for even the most basic rehab services.

Dwindling Resources

The growing number of people becoming addicted to dangerous illicit street drugs continues to grow annually. The opioid epidemic and rising number of those struggling with other drug addictions had plagued America for decades and continues to put increased financial strain on the limited number of drug rehab clinics operating throughout the U.S. The dismal reality of the situation is that there are simply not enough qualified rehab practitioners capable of treating the rising number of people currently in need of proper drug treatment. Until more awareness and funding is made available for this growing issue, it is likely that the soaring costs of drug rehab insurance will make coverage more difficult to obtain in the future. This is a shadowy forecast that may spell even more trouble and difficulty for those in the most desperate need of professional help. Another major impediment for those currently paying for drug rehab insurance includes the ineffectiveness of drug rehab clinicians across the country. When managing an addiction that stems from long-term abuse of highly addictive drugs like opioids or methamphetamine, it is critical that the patient receives sufficient care consistent with their current condition. In many cases, people are unable to afford the exhaustive treatment needed before their insurance is unable to keep covering the costs of the plan. This results in the patient being prematurely released from treatment too early, often resulting in sudden relapses. This can very dangerous and problematic because it typically leads the user to begin abusing drugs shortly after treatment, sometimes even resulting in hospitalization or even death.

Lack of Proper Funding

Although there are recent reports indicating that current legislative initiatives are being aimed towards addressing the systemic issues relating to the lack of proper drug rehab treatment currently available, it's not enough. The legislative action includes providing the public with more information and educational resources on the dangers associated with drug addiction, an increase in treatment available to the public, as well as reduced program costs for those currently unable to afford treatment. It is within these legislative boundaries that our congressional districts hope to alleviate the current issues surrounding the rising number of drug related deaths and injuries within America, but until all of these precepts are adopted, most insurance holders will continue finding proper treatment wholly unattainable. The lack of proper funding and public attention on the matter of drug rehab and other services that provide relief to those afflicted with panful addictions is a strong indication that the financial issues surrounding this problem will only continue to pain society. There are many government grants and funding sources available for those currently suffering mental and physical ailments, but much of those are centered around diseases unrelated to addiction and drug abuse. Until congressional districts begin addressing the financial shortfalls associated with drug rehab insurance gaps, it is likely that there will continue to be issues relating to affording proper drug counseling throughout the U.S.