Expert Insights
I recently read that there have been a staggering 16 overdose deaths in the New Haven area last month. Most of those deaths occurred in a two-week period according to public health officials.
One thing that’s important to note here is that stigma kills. Many people think that they can spot someone struggling with addiction and that they fit a certain stereotype — houseless, unemployed, etc. — but it’s simply not true. Many people that are now addicted to opioids are working class and white-collar workers who were prescribed opioids for an injury and became addicted to the drug.
Rather than judging individuals, I believe we need to be carrying Narcan, the opioid overdose reversal drug, so that we can save lives instead of counting dead bodies.
~ Olivia Pennelle
Paying for Alcohol and Drug Rehab in New Haven
Some popular health insurance companies in Connecticut include Anthem BlueCross BlueShield and ConnectiCare. Health insurance tends to cover many rehab services, but call the number on the back of your insurance card to find out exactly what you’re eligible to have covered and what your out-of-pocket fees could be.
Private Insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid
Most health insurance plans provide partial, if not full, coverage for substance abuse treatment. Medicaid and Medicare, which are health insurance options for people without access to traditional health insurance, also cover treatment services. You qualify for those programs by being low-income, disabled, or over 65 years old.
Free rehabs are available for people that can’t afford health insurance coverage or don’t qualify for low-cost insurance options. The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services manages programs in New Haven and other cities in Connecticut.
Some free drug rehabs in New Haven include:
- New Era Rehabilitation, which takes Medicaid and United Health Care for low-income clients.
- The Substance Abuse Treatment Unit at the Yale School of Medicine, which works directly with the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and may have low-income options available, call and ask for referrals to open recovery programs.
- The APT Foundation offers substance use disorder (SUD) recovery programs for people with low income or no ability to pay for care.
Resources
- U.S. Census Bureau. (2022). QuickFacts. New Haven city, Connecticut.
- National Drug Intelligence Center. (July 2002, accessed 2022). Connecticut Drug Threat Assessment.
- Connecticut State Department of Public Health. (2022). Current Laws Related to Opioid Overdose Prevention.
- Connecticut Department of Labor. (2022). The Connecticut Family & Medical Leave Act and CT Paid Leave Appeals.
- Connecticut Department of Health. (2022). Drug Overdose Monthly Report. December 2019, 2020, 2021.