Expert Insights
I support spreading the message of addiction recovery through any means possible. However, I particularly enjoy it when the message is spread in a creative way, and what could be more creative than art?
A Baton Rouge art gallery recently announced an exhibit they’re presenting that deals with exactly that: art and addiction. Ben Peabody, a local artist, has put together a free viewing and reception of his art for the entire Baton Rouge community to come out and view. And he hopes the artwork will spark discussion about recovery.
The powerful exhibit is filled with important messages that are clear to see within his art. And these messages are beautifully delivered within a vibrant carnival setting, according to the West Baton Rouge Museum. I am very excited to see these works of art and the impact they can make on the community.
~ Rita Milios
How Expensive is Drug Rehab in Baton Rouge?
Treatment in Baton Rouge can range from very low-cost to a large expense, depending on what type of services you need and how long you’ll be in treatment. Another cost factor is locality—areas that have a lower cost of living also usually have a lower average medical cost as well as overall cost for necessities like gas and groceries.
Are There Low-Cost and Free Drug Rehab Centers in Baton Rouge?
State-funded rehabs provide inpatient and outpatient programming to people struggling with addiction in Louisiana who can’t afford treatment. They receive money from the government and non-profit organizations to offer financial assistance programs such as sliding-fee scales and rehab scholarships.
To get into a state-funded rehab, you’ll need to speak with a social services professional in your area that can provide you a referral, possibly after providing an assessment, though that may be done in the rehab instead as well.
Do Medicare and Medicaid Cover Alcohol and Drug Rehab?
Most rehab services are typically covered under the umbrella of health insurance, provided it meets the definition of “medically necessary.” This includes the cost of individual therapy with a psychiatrist, any needed medications, nursing services, and hospital services and supplies for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Medicaid is a low-income health insurance program for people that live at or below federal poverty standards. Medicaid does not pay for things like private rooms, personal needs, or private nursing, nor does Medicare. Medicare, on the other hand, is a health insurance program for people over the age of 65 or who are disabled. Medicaid does not typically charge copayments, whereas Medicare might and does for inpatient rehab.3
Medicare requires a deductible to be paid to enter into rehab, and if you have to stay longer than 60 days, you would be responsible for paying a daily co-insurance which doubles when you hit 90 days of residency. This coverage includes meals, rehab services, and a semi-private room.
Does Private Insurance Cover Addiction Treatment?
Private health insurance companies must pay for medically necessary treatments, such as medication, clinical services, and therapy. The fee for the cost of a shared or private suite and amenities like room service and housekeeping are generally not covered by private health insurance, though they might be.
While services are generally covered by private insurance, there may be myriad fees associated, especially with inpatient rehab programs. You may have copayments and deductibles for care, as well as daily fees if you are living in a center for rehab.
Every health insurance policy has a different set of covered services, in-network providers, and fee schedules. The best way to determine exactly what you qualify for and how much it may cost you is to call the number on the back of your health insurance card.
Resources
- Center for Disease Control. (2022). CDC Wonder.
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration. (2022). Operation Engage Baton Rouge.
- Medicare.gov. (2022). Inpatient Rehabilitation Care.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2006). Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 45.: 1 Overview, Essential Concepts, and Definitions in Detoxification.
- Louisiana Office of the Governor. (2022). Drug Policy
