Expert Insights
Maine has a great mental health and substance use treatment network of providers, hospitals, and treatment centers.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted by SAMHSA from 2022 to 2023 provides statistics that indicate substance use is equal to or lower than the national averages while mental illness is slightly lower. Working in Maine in the field of substance use or mental health treatment means adequate funding resources, accessibility for patients, and availability of providers.
As a mental health care provider for over 20 years, I know first hand how much a well managed system of care can help people in recovery. The court system in Maine works collaboratively with mental health providers to ensure proper security for those who need stabilization or require longer care plans.
It helps a lot to work in a state that has good resources, great providers, and a system that supports recovery from mental illness and substance use.
~ Mary Jo Fleming, PhD
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost in Maine?
Maine is ranked 9th nationwide in terms of addiction treatment affordability, with an average cost of drug and alcohol rehab of $56,108 (without insurance).
- Medical detox is the most expensive, with an average cost of $138,327
- Long-term inpatient drug rehab in Maine costs an average of $49,512
- Outpatient addiction treatment in Maine costs an average of $8,227
- Outpatient methadone treatment is the most affordable, with an average cost of $7,310
How to Pay for Drug Rehab in Maine
As of 2024, there were over 220 drug rehab facilities across the state of Maine. These facilities accept several payment methods. Of those treatment facilities, the following numbers reflect how many accept their respective payment methods:
187 accept self-payment or cash
120 offer sliding-scale fees for those without insurance
167 accept Medicaid insurance coverage
111 accept state funded insurance coverage
170 accept private health insurance
92 offer free or low-cost treatment
1 offer free treatment for all clients
38 accept tribal funding
There are a lot of ways to cover the cost of rehab in Maine. Here are a few for you to consider.
Private Pay & Insurance
Not many people have the cash to pay for rehab sitting in the bank, but if you do (or can borrow it from a bank or friends) you can pay for rehab yourself, which is known as private pay. Another popular way to pay for addiction treatment is using health insurance. Be sure you understand which treatment centers are within your provider network so you can maximize your insurance coverage.
The primary health insurance companies in Maine are:
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare
- Community Health Options
- Tarp Health
- United Healthcare
Medicaid
MaineCare is available for those who have lower income or otherwise qualify based on state guidelines. This coverage helps you get medical care, emergency services, addiction treatment, prescription drugs and other services. With Medicaid, you may pay nothing for treatment, or you might have a low fee. It’s important to choose a treatment clinic that accepts your MaineCare plan to ensure you get the help you need.
Medicare
Original Medicare is a federal program you might qualify for if you’re 65 or older, permanently disabled, or have other specific health conditions. You can also decide to get a Medicare Advantage plan from a private insurance company instead. This replaces Original Medicare and may have additional coverage benefits. However, you’ll also have to get care within the plan’s network, so be sure to talk to your Medicare insurance provider before you start addiction treatment.
Military Insurance
We appreciate the service of those who put their lives on the line for our country. If you’re in the military, you’re likely to have experienced very difficult and traumatic things. This can result in PTSD, substance use, and other mental health concerns. The good news is that TRICARE and VA insurance both cover substance use treatment and mental health. You can visit a nearby VA or military health clinic to get started on the path to freedom.
Tribal Funding & Programs
There are some tribal specific treatment programs in Maine. For example, if you are from a tribe covered by Wabanaki Public Health, you can access addiction treatment and behavioral health care for adults and children through them, including recovery homes, peer support and medication assisted treatment. You may also qualify for MaineCare and be able to enroll at an addiction treatment center that accepts that coverage.
Other Low Cost Options
Individual treatment centers may have additional options that make treatment affordable. For example, some offer scholarships or financial aid. Others have payment arrangements available or will charge you based on a sliding scale that takes your financial situation into account. Because these payment arrangements vary from center to center, be sure to contact the rehab to learn more before you enroll.
