Can I Afford Methadone Treatment?

Methadone is considered to be an affordable treatment option, especially when compared to continued opioid abuse, which is not only expensive in itself, as the individual is always seeking out more drugs, but also causes expenses for the person in mental and physical health problems that will eventually require treatment. Still, many individuals want to know if they can afford methadone treatment.

The Costs of Methadone Treatment

“Treatment appears to be cost effective” for the economy, according to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, “particularly when compared to incarceration, which is often the alternative.” But many individuals want to know if they can afford the costs themselves. Generally, for patients, methadone treatment can cost between $10 and $15 a day for those in inpatient and outpatient care. However, residential care can sometimes be more expensive, as many of these facilities provide more options to patients.

To some individuals, this is a nominal fee, but to others who may have lost their jobs and incomes as a result of their drug abuse, it can be difficult to pay for methadone without some sort of help. This is why there are other options available to patients who need methadone but may not be able to afford it on their own.

The Affordable Care Act and Methadone Treatment

Most insurance plans now cover or assist with the cost of methadone treatment.

Many individuals who have abused opioids for a long period of time do not have as much money as they may need to be able to attend treatment every day, but this is why many insurance plans are now required to help clients pay for this treatment option. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “The Affordable Care Act extends the impact of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) so that many health plans must offer coverage for mental health or substance use disorders with at least an equal level of benefits as the plans offer for the treatment of physical health problems.” With the help of your insurance coverage, your methadone may be less expensive or covered entirely, which is an important possibility to note.

Free Methadone Centers

In addition, free and low-cost centers do exist, some of which allow patients to pay on a sliding-fee scale and others that are partially free or all free. These centers exist for individuals who are in dire need of treatment but can only pay a very small fee or no fee at all. SAMHSA states that most of the substance abuse treatment centers in the country provide some sort of payment assistance, and many of these programs admit patients and create a payment plan for them based on need.

Can I Afford Methadone Treatment?

Most individuals can afford the treatment, but even if you cannot, there are still programs available where you can receive your medication and other additional treatments either at a lower cost or completely free of charge. If you would like to find a methadone center that provides low-cost or free care, call 800-994-1867Who Answers?, and we will gladly help you locate one in your area that will be in your price range. There are many different price options for methadone care, and we can absolutely help you find one that fits your budget.