Expert Insights
In 2021, Alaska ranked second in the nation in the number of alcohol-related deaths. Alaska also has the 10th highest rate of binge-drinking in the US. And yet, historically, access to mental health and addiction recovery services has been lacking. But the state of the state is improving.
Today, in Alaska, there are nearly 200 addiction recovery facilities, including more than 60 inpatient rehabs and nearly 30 detox centers.
Of these, more than half accept Medicare and Medicaid, offer financing and income-based payment options, or provide services at low and no cost. Help is just a phone call away for Alaskans in need.
~ Cary Damerow, BA, LPN
How Much Does Addiction Treatment Cost in Alaska?
Alaska is ranked 2nd nationwide in terms of addiction treatment affordability, with an average cost of addiction treatment of $52,030.
- Medical detox is the most expensive, with an average cost of $128,273
- Inpatient rehab in Alaska costs an average of $45,913
- Outpatient rehab in Alaska costs and average of $7,629
- Outpatient methadone treatment is the most affordable, with an average cost of $6,778
How to Pay for Rehab in Alaska
As of 2020, there were over 100 rehab facilities across the state of Alaska. These facilities accept several payment methods. Of those facilities, the following numbers reflect how many accept their respective payment methods:
98 accept self-payment or cash
80 offer sliding-scale fees for those without insurance
93 accept Medicaid insurance coverage
66 accept state funded insurance coverage
93 accept private health insurance
59 offer free or low-cost treatment
3 offer free treatment for all clients
42 accept tribal funding
Alaska ranks as the state with the second cheapest residential rehabilitation costs by the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. There are slightly over 100 active abuse centers in the state that provide service to just under 10,000 people annually. The following are ways you can reduce the cost of treatment or receive free drug and alcohol rehab.
Private Pay + Insurance
Federal law mandates that most commercial health insurance providers include mental health and substance abuse treatment in their insurance policies. However, there are several exceptions to these laws, so it’s crucial to verify your insurance coverage before receiving treatment. Many private health insurance policies also require prior authorization, including documentation of medical necessity.
Your treatment center can help you gather the necessary information to meet your insurance company’s needs. Some people may choose private pay or self pay despite having a health insurance policy with substance abuse benefits. Private pay offers greater confidentiality and reduces the risk your employer will find out about treatment. These are some of the major private insurance carriers in Alaska.
- Aetna Health Management
- Alaska National Insurance Company
- Cigna Healthcare
- Moda Health Plan
- Pacific Health Coalition
- Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska
- UnitedHealthcare
Medicaid
Medicaid provides healthcare coverage to low-income Alaskans once they meet eligibility requirements. Eligibility typically includes an active Social Security card, state residency, and financial limits. You can check your eligibility in the Healthcare Insurance Marketplace. Medicaid is collaboratively funded between the federal and state governments, but administered through the state.
The Alaska Medical Assistance Program is administered through Alaska Medicaid Health Enterprise, where you have access to help receiving Medicaid benefits for adults and through the Denali KidCare for children from birth through age 18 and pregnant women who also meet eligibility standards. Medicaid covers treatment for mental health conditions and substance abuse.
Medicare
Medicare is a federally funded health insurance coverage designed primarily for people over age 65. Alaska offers resources to help residents understand their coverage and how to access benefits, including mental health and substance abuse treatment. Original Medicare Parts A and B offer coverage for inpatient and outpatient care. Medicare Parts C is a premium based policy offered by commercial health insurance plans that administer Parts A and B and sometimes offer additional benefits.
Individual Medicare Advantage plans are not available in Alaska. The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Commission on Aging offers educational resources and advocacy for individuals 65 and older. Over 114,000 residents in Alaska are enrolled in Medicare, which is approximately 15% of the population.
Military Insurance
TRICARE is a healthcare program for active duty and retired military personnel and their families. They offer care around the world to beneficiaries. Care is managed in three regions, and two are in the U.S. Alaska is covered by the West region, which is managed by Health Net Federal Services.
Most TRICARE policies meet the minimum essential coverage defined by the Affordable Care Act, including coverage for substance abuse treatment. The Veterans Administration also offers healthcare at facilities in Alaska including the Colonel Mary Louise Rasmussen Campus of the Alaska VA Healthcare System in Anchorage. Care includes behavioral and mental health care for conditions such as addiction, trauma, and depression.
Tribal Funding and Programs
There are 229 federally recognized indigenous tribes in Alaska. The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Indian Affairs Tribal Operations Branch offers assistance to tribes to relate to government and corporate functions. The state also recognizes the importance of healthcare providing access through Medicaid programs and maximizing federal funding to help support infrastructure and advocate for services and referrals.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Tribal Behavioral Health Grant helps fund programs to prevent suicide and substance abuse. Alaska Grant Watch records 124 Mental Health Grants for the state, three of which are aimed at helping tribal organizations improve substance abuse services.
Other Low-Cost Options
When free drug rehab is not available, other low-cost options can help relieve your financial burden and make treatment more accessible. A personal loan is the quickest way to begin receiving treatment. Personal bank loans offer greater confidentiality, but loans from friends and family typically come with lower interest rates and a more flexible payment plan. Other options that help lower your costs include:
- Addiction treatment center payment plans are often interest free and allow you to begin treatment while paying what you are able.
- Sliding scale fees typically require you to document your income.
- Grants and scholarships from local companies and organizations can help reduce your costs when you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Faith based programs are often nonprofit and offer assistance with payment for clients.
- Fundraising from friends and family can feel overwhelming, but without treatment, your costs are far higher, including the cost of drugs, loss of employment, damaged relationships, and possible incarceration.
- Crowd funding through public websites such as GoFundMe or GiveAHand. Take care to read the small print and understand the fees.
Free Addiction Treatment Resources in Alaska
Low cost and free rehabs in Alaska open a door of opportunity to receive addiction treatment when the cost is unreachable. Substance abuse treatment should not be a luxury. It is a necessity to achieve sobriety and improve your quality of life. Free alcohol and drug rehab addiction treatment centers can help you achieve that goal.
Most treatment centers offer inpatient and outpatient care including individual, group, and family therapies alongside detox and aftercare programs. The difference between low cost and free rehab centers and luxury addiction treatment centers is the surroundings and amenities. You receive the same quality treatment that can make a significant difference in your life.
Alcohol and drug rehab can help improve your physical and mental health inside a structured environment. You receive customized treatment and many include education and skills training to help you manage your life without relying on substances.
Recover Alaska
They provide grants, funding, and careers in an organization focused on advocating statewide to reduce the stigma around alcohol misuse, improving access to care, and partnering to reduce the risks in youth and adults through prevention alliances.
Seward Prevention Coalition
Offers low and no cost rates to help youth build resilience and offer life-giving programs to kids and families, including education, advocacy, and prevention opportunities.
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority
Provides leadership in planning, implementing, advocacy, and funding. They support Alaskans with substance use disorders, mental illness, and dementia, to name a few conditions. They help fund addiction treatment facilities, housing services, and crisis response teams.
Alaska Office of Substance Misuse and Addiction Prevention
This organization was established in 2017 to help prevent and reduce substance use disorders and support community based activities across the state. Their services are aimed at protecting the life, health, and safety of Alaskans. The principles of public health are the framework for addressing the causes of addiction.
iknowmine
Provides a set of strategies to help community members have access to a life that has a reduced risk of harm, including the tools they need to stay safe. Some of these tools include policy change, prevention services, and substance misuse and harm reduction stigmas.
Drug Laws in Alaska
Marijuana/Cannabis
Adults can buy and possess specific amounts of marijuana depending on the type. While Alaska categorizes marijuana as a less dangerous Schedule VI drug, it’s still against federal law, which means it’s illegal to use on federal lands such as national parks, courtrooms, and military bases. While recreational use is legal, private sale is illegal. Medical marijuana is legal for persons with specific health conditions.
Drug Testing
Many employers require drug testing before offering a position and one of the drugs can be marijuana. Despite the fact that selected recreational cannabis use is legal, employers have the right to test and deny employment after a positive test. Employers can choose to randomly test employees and may test after an on-the-job accident that resulted in a Workers Comp claim.
DUI
Driving any vehicle under the influence in Alaska can lead to steep fines and license suspension. This includes motor vehicles, aircraft and watercraft. The average cost is $24,265, according to the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles and all convictions lead to prison time or electronic monitoring and an ignition interlock device. Three or more convictions within 10 years is a felony.
Therapeutic Court Model
The Alaska Court System utilizes a Therapeutic Court Model as an alternative to incarceration for some felony and misdemeanor offenses. The team determines the length of the process for each individual, who must enter a plea of “no contest” or “guilty” and participate in a structured program. A team approach helps keep track of your program and provides sanctions and incentives for performance.
Court Ordered Treatment
After conviction, the court can elect to order a treatment program only if the defendant hasn’t participated in a similar program more than twice. If the defendant does not complete the program, they must complete the original sentence imposed at conviction.
