Expert Insights
In 2022, alcohol-impaired crashes killed more than 1,100 people in California. Clearly, something needs to change.
In Pasadena, local authorities are trying to curb these numbers with DUI checkpoints. These occur occasionally at undisclosed locations. The dates and times are announced to the public, but not the specific location within the Pasadena city limits. But is this enough? That’s doubtful. California drivers facing a first-time DUI charge receive an average of $13,500 in fines and a suspended license.
If we really want to prevent DUI deaths in Pasadena, the consequences need to be steeper, and we need more than an occasional checkpoint. This is a good start, but authorities need to increase the stakes as well as educate residents about the risks, so drivers won’t even consider getting behind the wheel impaired.
~ Kerry Nenn
Paying for Drug Rehab in Pasadena
The cost of a drug or alcohol rehab should never keep someone from seeking out treatment for a substance use disorder. Pasadena offers several free options, including:
- State-funded: A state-funded facility receives money from the federal and state governments to provide low-cost or free care to Pasadena residents who meet income requirements. Methadone clinics can also fall under this category. Methadone is a medication used to treat opioid addiction.
- Grant-funded: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides grant funding to drug and alcohol rehabs in Pasadena. This funding allows them to reduce costs or offer free addiction treatment.
- Scholarships: Some rehabs offer scholarships that pay for your treatment. You will likely have to fill out paperwork or a form to see if you qualify.
Some free drug rehabs in Pasadena and Los Angeles County include:
- The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center Residents – Pasadena
- Twin Town Treatment Centers
- Walter Hoving Home
Private Insurance, Medicare, and Medi-Cal
The majority of Pasadena drug rehabs accept private insurance. This can include Cigna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare, among others. By choosing a drug or alcohol rehab in Pasadena that accepts your insurance plan, you’ll be able to reduce your costs significantly. It’s also important to find out what types of addiction treatment your insurance will cover. You can call the number on the back of your insurance card to learn more.
Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, and Medicare can also be used to cover substance use disorder treatment. Like private insurance, you’ll have to find a Pasadena drug rehab that accepts these forms of health insurance.
To qualify for Medi-Cal, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Reduced income
- 65 or older
- Blind
- Disabled
- Pregnant
Medicare will also cover both inpatient and outpatient substance use disorder treatment, depending on your plan. To qualify, you must be:
- 65 or older
- Younger than 65 and disabled
- Younger than 65 and diagnosed with end-stage renal disease
For older adults with limited incomes, Medicaid may be able to supplement Medicare coverage and help with costs.
Resources
- City of Pasadena. (2022). About Pasadena.
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Substance Abuse Prevention and Control. (2022). Costs of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse/Abuse.
- California Department of Public Health. (2021). California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard.
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Substance Abuse Prevention and Control. (2021). Patients in Publicly Funded Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs in Los Angeles County.
- State of California. (2022). Do You Qualify for Medi-Cal Benefits?
