Expert Insights
I recently read an article about a man who was arrested in Orange, CA for selling pills to an unsuspecting buyer that mistakenly believed he was purchasing ADHD medications. Turns out the pills were basically made of fentanyl pressed into pill form and designed to look just like one of the most popular anxiety medications on the market.
With a total of around 45 pills, the dealer was secretly handing over an extremely lethal 14 grams of pure fentanyl. Had the sheriff’s office not made the bust when they did, it’s almost certain this buyer would have overdosed. And it’s highly likely he would have died. Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon scene for officers of the law nowadays.
Thousands and thousands of people buy what they believe are pharmaceutical drugs, only to find out they’re nothing more than fentanyl.
~ Natalie Baker
Paying for Drug Rehab in Orange, CA
The cost of drug and alcohol rehab in Orange, CA, can be high, but money doesn’t have to be a barrier to care. Costs can vary depending on whether the program is long-term or short-term, what the amenities are like, and the different support levels. Some facilities offer flexible payment options such as sliding scale fees, payment plans, or scholarships as well.
- Government-funded: Some facilities receive funding from the state or federal government in order to provide free or low-cost care. Government-funded programs include methadone clinics, which offer opioid addiction treatment medications such as methadone or Suboxone.
- Grant-funded: Entities such as SAMHSA or private funders award grants to some rehabs. These funding agreements allow the facilities to offer free or low-cost services.
- Scholarships: Some programs provide scholarships to pay for your care. You can also explore applying for a scholarship from an outside organization like 10,000 Beds, which covers the cost of addiction treatment.
You can find free programs as well, though you may have to travel outside of Orange County to access these. There are several free options and addiction treatment centers in nearby Los Angeles County, including the Inland Empire Teen Challenge in Riverside and the Amity Foundation in Los Angeles.
Using Private Insurance
Private insurance plans, including insurance provided through an employer, will cover some portion of Orange drug rehab costs. Many programs for drug and alcohol rehab in Orange, CA, accept private insurance. Most private insurance companies have a network of preferred programs, and your insurer will pay for more of the cost if you go to an in-network facility. Your insurance company can give you a list of in-network facilities to research. You can also ask each facility individually if they take your insurance.
Using Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare is insurance for people over 65 or who have certain disabilities and health conditions. Medicare covers substance abuse programs, but participants will be responsible for a co-pay for care. The co-pay for patient rehab is the same as a hospitalization co-pay. The co-pay for outpatient programs is the same as for mental health care. Medicare covers addiction treatment, including:10.11
- Opioid addiction treatment, including medication-assisted therapy
- Inpatient care
- Alcohol misuse screenings
- Outpatient rehab, including partial hospitalization
- Telehealth
- Group and individual therapy
If you do not have private health insurance, you may qualify for Medicaid. California’s Medicaid program is called Medi-Cal. California residents who meet the income eligibility requirement (earning 138% of the federal poverty level or less) can apply for Medi-Cal. 11,12
Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Division (MCBHD) can help you find addiction treatment in Orange County. Rehab programs partner with Medi-Cal to offer comprehensive rehab and mental health services for Medi-Cal patients. You can contact Medi-Cal directly for more information.
Medi-Cal, which provides low-cost health insurance to low-income people and families, covers:
- Medication-assisted treatment for FDA-approved medications and related counseling
- Substance abuse treatment for children and teens
- Inpatient detox
- Intensive outpatient (IOP)
- Residential or inpatient rehab
- Outpatient rehab
Resources
- Orange County Health Care Agency. (2017). DRUG & ALCOHOL OVERDOSE HOSPITALIZATION & DEATH IN ORANGE COUNTY.
- California Legislative Information. (2022). Bill Text.
- County Health Rankings. (No date). Excessive Drinking.
- Orange County Health Care Agency & Sheriff-Coroner. (2017). Drug & Alcohol Morbidity & Mortality in Orange County.
- California Department of Public Health. (2021). California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard: Orange County Dashboard.