COVID-19 has put the global economy on the brink of crisis, and it may be the most serious in a century. Hopes for a quick recovery of the planet are melting every day, and the bill for treatment is growing. The virus has already cost the world tens of billions of dollars, and this is only the beginning, economists warn.
However, people still have such serious problems as chronic diseases or addictions, which need to be treated even in this difficult period. The good news is that there are always a lot of ways to get free treatment, sometimes even if you don’t have any insurance. You can look for opportunities on the Internet, find free substance abuse programs on AddictionResource, or visit some official sites. In this article, we will show you the ways of getting affordable treatment in high-quality but free rehab centers.
Financial problems at the time of COVID-19
Due to COVID-19 and quarantine, in 2020, the US GDP may fall by 5% in annual terms, according to the calculations of the Center for Economics and Business Research, based in Britain. In 2021, GDP growth will be 3%, experts predict.
About 24 million Americans, or about 15% of the country’s workforce, may be at risk, according to Politico. Usually, these are workers in medium- or low-paid professions in those areas that could be affected by the coronavirus — bartenders, cleaners, drivers, cooks, etc. In a pessimistic scenario in which Washington will have to introduce large-scale strict quarantine measures, the reduction can get about 15 million jobs, according to a report by Deutsche Bank economists.
A total of 73% of the surveyed American workers, whose income does not exceed $40 thousand per year, said they were afraid of losing their income or job because of COVID-19. These data are presented in a public opinion poll prepared by the Kaiser Family Foundation. The survey was conducted from March 11 to March 15.
Cost of alcohol and drug rehabs
Usually, the cost of substance abuse treatment varies between the centers and the programs. Not all the rehabs are very expensive: most of them accept insurance, offer financial aid, or have other options.
The most common way of paying for the treatment is, of course, insurance. Medicare, Medicaid, military, private, or state-financed insurances often cover addiction care. So, if you have one, it’s better to discuss all the opportunities with your insurer.
The total cost always depends on the type of services offered. If you need detox care, it can range from $1,000 to $1,500, and usually, all the inpatient programs include this option. The price can be higher because of the types of drugs used during the treatment.
The cheapest options for inpatient rehabs may cost nearly $6,000 for a 30-day program. Meanwhile, famous centers will offer you the same options for $20,000. However, the requiring program includes 60-90 days of treatment, so in this case, you may pay $12,000-$60,000.
Outpatient programs are usually not that expensive, but they are a good fit for not serious cases of addiction. The price depends on the amount and duration of visits to the center and can cost $5,000-$10,000 for three months.
State-funded free substance abuse programs
There are a lot of organizations and rehabs which offer free addiction programs, using government money, which is distributed by a state. Such organizations and rehabs are called state-funded and offer not only detox programs, but sometimes even outpatient or inpatient care and partial hospitalization. They were created for people with low income or no insurance.
The state money, which is used to fund free programs, usually comes from the state budget or federal grants. The problem for those who seek treatment is that the size and even type of state support vary by state, as well as the requirements for this type of treatment. So it is important for everybody who looks for the treatment options to pay attention to their state financial features.
Often, other public services include these programs. You can find free drug addiction treatment provided by children’s social services, prison, and criminal justice systems. However, there are options for people not participating in these programs if they are eligible for services.
It can take a little effort and time to meet the requirements for participating in those programs. If you want to enroll in a state-funded treatment program, you need to provide proof of legal residence in the US and income status. Also, you should add your addiction history information. As soon as all your information is confirmed, treatment can be provided.
State-funded is usually limited and needed for a huge amount of people; you may need to be on a waiting list. If you have a priority (for example, you are a pregnant woman), you can be easily moved to the top of the list. You just need to provide the reasons for moving other people down in priority. If you have no priorities, but you are waiting too long for intensive treatment, in a case of emergency, you may be provided with medical maintenance or outpatient services.
Also, you should remember that government programs may provide, for example, only detox or medical care, but will then refer the client to self-help groups or counseling services. State-funded rehabilitation centers may not be as convenient in terms of accommodation as private clinics. Government funding generally does not provide all the home comforts, which you can find in a private health facility. The main goal for a state-funded program is not creating a spa-like atmosphere but providing treatment. However, people who are determined to overcome their addiction should not find this an obstacle to their progress.
Free drug rehab near me
AddictionResource.com can provide you with all the information needed. You’ll find there not only one of the biggest drug rehabs directory with the centers across the country, but also several pieces of advice on free treatment opportunities. The articles and support service will help you find the best treatment option, even if you have no budget on it. You can give a call every time you feel ready for that.
For more great saving advice articles, read these:
Social Media Linked To Mental Illness
How Mental Health Issues Impact Finances
Financial Psychology: Do You Have A Money Disorder?
Image source, Dimitris Kalogeropoylos, Via Flickr.
