Expert Insights
I recently read in the news that in the last few years, Kansas had the second largest percentage increase in drug overdose deaths in the nation. Deaths increased by 43 percent in 2021, killing 680 people.
The cause? Fentanyl — just like other major overdose deaths rises across the US which killed a staggering 107,622 people in 2021. What’s problematic about this drug, in my opinion (and the DEAs) is that many people taking illicit substances don’t know their drugs have been spiked with fentanyl. Drug cartels are lacing large quantities of the black-market drug supply with fentanyl to make drugs more potent and because it’s cheaper.
I think it’s a tragedy that the government has known about the opioid crisis for years, but what they are doing isn’t working because the death toll keeps rising. Instead, I believe we need more harm reduction approaches like drug testing kits, Narcan, and services to connect people with recovery support. Then we might have a chance at saving some lives!
~ Olivia Pennelle
How Expensive is Drug Rehab in Kansas City?
There is no fixed cost for drug and alcohol rehab centers in Kansas City. Treatment costs are variable and influenced by characteristics of the facility, such as:
Treatment setting (inpatient or outpatient)
Features and amenities (luxury or standard rehab facility)
Duration of program (30, 60, or 90 days)
Health insurance plan
Choosing a rehab facility in-network with health insurance provider
Location (city vs. suburb)
Inpatient/residential drug and rehab facilities tend to cost more than outpatient programs. You can expect to pay more for the room and board at an inpatient program. Similarly, luxury amenities like private chefs, organic meals, spa treatments, and private suites may increase the cost of your care.
You can expect to pay less if you have health insurance. By law, group and individual insurance companies are required to cover substance use disorders to the same extent as medical and surgical conditions. You can find a program with coverage from your insurance provider by calling the number on the back of your health insurance card. You can also visit the Addiction Resource website to look for a program that accepts your funding source.
You still have plenty of options even if you have no insurance. State-funded and free programs offer free or low-cost treatment. The sliding scale fee offered by some programs is another payment option to help pay for care.
Are There Low-Cost and Free Drug Rehab Centers in Kansas City?
State-Funded: State-funded rehabs that offer free to low-cost care in Kansas are managed by the Behavioral Health Services Commission. You can expect to receive inpatient and outpatient services, acute detox treatment, crisis intervention, opioid maintenance outpatient treatment, and peer mentoring support. The Behavioral Health Services Commission works with 26 community health centers across Kansas. You can seek state-funded services at these community health centers.
Scholarships: Some facilities in Kansas City offer scholarships to assist with funding for treatment. Scholarships cover at least some of the costs of the program. However, you may be required to repay all of the costs if you end rehab prematurely. Make sure you find out the terms of the scholarship before you sign up.
Sliding Scale Options: The sliding scale payment plan offered by some facilities is a great choice if you have no insurance and don’t qualify for free or low-cost state-funded options. You’ll receive discounts based on your ability to pay. A sliding scale program typically uses your income to determine your ability to pay and the discount. You can contact the facility directly to obtain more information about their eligibility criteria. Visit the Addiction Resource website to find Kansas City drug rehabs with sliding-scale payment options.
Free With Insurance: Rehab may be free for you with your insurance because of federal and Kansas state laws. The ACA and Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) require individual and group insurance companies to cover care to the same extent as surgical or medical conditions. However, the extent of insurance coverage will depend on the type of your program and your insurance plan.
Medicare or Medicaid: Both government healthcare programs cover specific drug and alcohol services, but you will need to find a treatment center accepting these insurance options.
Resources
- United States Census Bureau. (n.d.). Quick Facts: Kansas City City Kansas
- Kansas Department of Health and Environment. (n.d.). Overdose Mortality Dashboard
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2021, December 1). Mental Health and Substance Use Insurance Help.
- Substance Abuse and Health Services Administration. (2022, April 21). Co-Occurring Disorders and Other Health Conditions.
- Kansas Board of Pharmacy. (2022). Naloxone Dispensing in Kansas.
