Expert Insights
Rockford’s Winnebago County is suffering from overdose fatalities.
In 2020, the county experienced the highest per-capita rate of overdose fatalities in the state. And every year from 2017-2021, the county saw an increase in overdose deaths. Help is available, but it might be out of reach for Rockford residents.
There are 17 addiction rehab facilities within 25 miles of the city, but only one of these offers services free of charge. And in Illinois, average outpatient rehab costs over $1,700, and residential rehab averages nearly $57,000. More than 1 in 5 Rockford residents live below the poverty line – making costly treatment difficult for those who need help.
~ Kerry Nenn
How Expensive is Drug Rehab in Rockford?
What you’ll pay for alcohol or drug rehab in Rockford depends on several factors. Some of the major variables that will influence your treatment costs include:
Treatment setting (inpatient or outpatient)
Features and amenities (luxury or standard rehab facility)
Duration of program (30, 60, or 90 days)
Health insurance plan
Location (city vs. suburb)
To help make treatment more accessible to all who need it, many Rockford alcohol rehabs and drug rehabs accept multiple forms of payment. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 17 addiction rehab facilities are located within 25 miles of Rockford. Of those facilities:
16 accept cash or other types of self-payment
3 use an income-based sliding fee scale
13 accept Medicaid insurance coverage
7 accept Medicare insurance coverage
16 accept various private insurance plans
1 offers services free of charge to eligible persons
8 accept military insurance (TRICARE)
Are There Low-Cost and Free Drug Rehab Centers in Rockford?
If you’re hesitant to seek treatment because you’re worried you can’t afford it, help is available. You have options for getting the care you need, regardless of your ability to pay.
Publicly Funded Treatment Programs: If you have no way to pay for care, you could qualify for free treatment at a state-funded drug or alcohol rehab in Rockford. These facilities get funding from federal, state, and local governments so they can serve Illinois residents who lack the resources to pay for care.
Non-profit Rockford drug rehabs also receive funding from various public sources, which allows them to serve individuals in need. If you can’t get into a state-funded facility, non-profit addiction treatment centers may be willing to work with you — regardless of your ability to pay.
Sliding Fee Scale Programs: If you’re struggling financially, look for Rockford detox centers that offer services on a sliding scale. Facilities that use this type of variable fee structure will adjust the cost of your program based on your income. Some facilities may also factor in your living expenses to help determine your out-of-pocket costs.
Ultimately, the lower your income, the more of a discount you’ll receive. You may even qualify for free care, depending on how the facility structures its sliding scale.
Health Insurance Coverage for Addiction Treatment: If you have health insurance, your plan may cover treatment at a drug or alcohol rehab in Rockford. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all Marketplace, Medicare, and Medicaid plans must offer coverage for alcohol and drug programs. Some plans cover services in full (making care essentially free), while others cover a percentage of costs or pay for specific services.
To find out what your plan covers, call the number on the back of your insurance card to speak with a benefits representative. You can also ask for a list of Rockford drug rehabs that accept your insurance.
Scholarships: If you have limited resources, you may qualify for a scholarship that can cover some or all of your costs. These awards are given on an as-needed basis, so you’ll need to apply and provide proof of your financial situation, addiction status, and insurance status.
If you’re interested in applying for scholarships, reach out to the facilities directly to see if they offer this type of aid. Local non-profit groups and social services programs may also have information on organizations that can help you.
Resources
- Rockford, Illinois Population 2023. (n.d.). Worldpopulationreview.com.
- Illinois Department of Public Health. (2021, August). Opioid Overdose Semiannual Report.
- OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. (2019). Community Health Needs Assessment 2019, Winnebago County.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021, June). Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) 2019 (Revised), Admissions to and Discharges From Publicly Funded Substance use Treatment.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). FindTreatment.gov.
