Expert Insights
With opioid-related death tolls rising across America, Meridian, Idaho, is no exception. The good news is they recently passed the Good Samaritan Law.
This law protects people seeking medical assistance for drug-related medical emergencies. The law states individuals cannot be charged with possession, or for being under the influence of a controlled substance. It also states that anyone with a valid reason can ask for Narcan, a drug used to reverse opioid overdose.
This example of valuing life over punishment, is a step in the right direction.
~ Lesley Wirth
Paying for Alcohol and Drug Rehab in Meridian
Depending on your financial status, you may be able to attend a drug rehab in Meridian at a low cost or no cost at all.
Charitable Organizations: Some dr7g rehabs offer care for free or at a low cost. These organizations receive financial support from donors.
Scholarships: Limited opportunities exist for scholarships or grants that cover the costs of treatment. You typically need to apply for these funds, and there is no guarantee that you will receive assistance. You can learn more about these options by speaking to staff at your facilities.
Some quality free and low-cost drug rehab centers in Meridian include:
- Behavioral Health Services by Ambitions of Idaho
- The Division of Behavioral Health’s (DBH) Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Services Program in Boise, ID
- Idaho (PCCCSI)
State-Funded Centers: State-funded rehabs receive grants from the government to offer low-cost or free care to those in need. State-funded centers also include methadone clinics that treat opioid misuse with medication.
Private Insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid
If you have private health insurance, you can use it to pay for care. Your health insurer is required by law to pay for a portion or all of your care. Private insurance can include companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna.
What if you don’t have private insurance? This doesn’t mean that you can’t get treatment. You may be eligible for Medicare or Medicaid.
Medicare
Medicare is a federally funded program that provides health care to those who are 65 years of age and older. By law, Medicare is required to cover addiction treatment. Medicare covers the following:
- Inpatient
- Prescribed medications used during rehab
- Outpatient
- Hospitalizations that occur due to alcohol and drug abuse
- Follow-up visits due to substance abuse
- Patient education programs that help you to better understand drug and alcohol misuse
Medicaid
Medicaid is a health insurance program that receives funding from both state and federal governments for low-income individuals and families. Individuals with a disability may also qualify. Just like Medicare, Medicaid covers alcohol and drug rehab.
The treatments Medicaid covers include:
- Inpatient
- Medical detox
- Medications like methadone
- Outpatient
- Crisis treatment and intervention
To receive Medicare, you must be 65 years of age or older and qualify for Social Security. To receive Medicaid in Idaho, you must:
- Have a low income
- Be a U.S. citizen or have legal status
- Be a resident of Idaho
- Not have assets that exceed the limit of the Medicaid program
Resources
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. (2022). Idaho Drug Overdose Data Dashboard.
- Idaho Office of Drug Policy. (2019). Substance Abuse Prevention Needs Assessment.
- Idaho Transportation Department Office of Highway Safety. (2021). Idaho Traffic Crashes.
- Center for Medicare Advocacy. (2022). Medicare Coverage of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
- Centered for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (2022). Substance Use Disorders.
