Expert Insights
Communities face increased burdens on public safety, law enforcement, and healthcare systems from drug and alcohol abuse. As a nurse practitioner, I treated children and families who had firsthand experience with the harm that drug and alcohol addiction created, including job loss, divorce, neglect, and damage to their physical and mental health.
As community use increases, so does the crime rate and the burden on the healthcare system.
In 2023, according to the Michigan Overdose Drug to Action (MODA) program, drug overdose deaths decreased by 2.5% in Michigan from 2022. Of cocaine, heroin, psychostimulants, synthetic opioids, and poly-drug data, only cocaine registered an increase in the number of deaths in the same year.
While this is positive, there are still nearly 3,000 people losing their lives in Michigan each year to drug overdoses, and this is still far higher than it was in 2016 and earlier.
~ Gayle Morris, BSN, MSN
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost in Michigan?
Michigan is ranked 13th nationwide in terms of addiction treatment affordability, with an average cost of drug and alcohol rehab of $56,508 (without insurance).
- Medical detox is the most expensive, with an average cost of $139,313
- Long-term inpatient drug rehab in Michigan costs an average of $49,865
- Outpatient addiction treatment in Michigan costs an average of $8,286
- Outpatient methadone treatment is the most affordable, with an average cost of $7,362
However, these prices can vary dramatically according to setting, treatment type, length of the program, features (like luxury), and more.
How to Pay for Drug Rehab in Michigan
As of 2024, there were over 490 drug rehab facilities across the state of Michigan. These facilities accept several payment methods. Of those treatment facilities, the following numbers reflect how many accept their respective payment methods:
427 accept self-payment or cash
283 offer sliding-scale fees for those without insurance
347 accept Medicaid insurance coverage
266 accept state funded insurance coverage
374 accept private health insurance
201 offer free or low-cost treatment
4 offer free treatment for all clients
53 accept tribal funding
Private Pay + Insurance
You have options to pay for treatment in Michigan. Many of the programs will accept health insurance and some will allow you to self pay. Each insurance is different in regard to what specific type of rehab that it will cover. It is important to talk with your insurance provider to understand in and out of network benefits and coverage.
Here are some of the following major private insurance carriers in Michigan:
- AmBetter
- HAP
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
- Molina Healthcare Inc
Medicaid and Medicare
Medicaid is accepted at many drug rehab centers in Michigan, but it is important to keep in mind that in some cases you may have to pay a small copay when using this type of insurance. Medicare covers substance use treatment under Original Medicare Parts A (hospital insurance) and B (medical insurance) or under a Medicare Advantage Plan, which provides the same benefits as Original Medicare. Treatment must be deemed medically necessary according to accepted standards of medicine to diagnose or treat your condition.
Military Insurance
If you are a Veteran, or have military insurance such as Tricare, substance use treatment can be covered. Tricare covers a variety of services such as inpatient care, medication assisted treatment, outpatient services, partial hospitalization programs, and residential care. Each Veterans Administration in the state of Michigan has their own resources to ensure you get the help you need. Contact them for further assistance regarding their specific modalities and programs to start the process of getting admitted for treatment.
Tribal Funding Programs
The purpose of SAMHSA’s Tribal Opioid Response Grant (TOR) is to address the opioid crisis in tribal communities. This has helped with the lack of access to treatment and has increased the access to culturally appropriate and evidence-based treatment. This can include prevention methods as well such as the Red Cliff Wellness School Curriculum and PAX Good Behavior Game. This funding also implements cultural practices such as storytelling, equine therapy, and wilderness adventures.
Other low-cost options
Each rehab is different and other low-cost options can vary between each one. Some programs may offer financial aid such as scholarships to help pay for treatment. Others may offer a sliding payment scale based on income. It is important to talk with your provider to see what options they offer when it comes to paying for or accessing treatment.
Free Rehabs in Michigan
In Michigan, there are rehab facilities that use state or federally awarded grant money to help uninsured or individuals with a low socio-economic status pay for substance use treatment. You might be the recipient of the grant, or the program you enter will be. The funding often comes from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
For free rehabs in Michigan, there is a chance that you might be on a waitlist before being able to receive treatment. You can use the SAMHSA’s Directory of Single State Agencies for Substance Use Services website, or other rehab directories to find local resources that will connect you to finding affordable rehab options in the state of Michigan
Resources
- Michigan.gov. (2021). September 2021: Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.
- Michigan Substance Use Disorder Data Repository. (2021). Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS).
- National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. (2022). Average Cost of Drug Rehab [2022]: by Type, State & More.
- Center for Medicare Advocacy. (2022). Medicare Coverage of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
- Naloxone – patients. (n.d.). U-M Injury Center. Retrieved November 15, 2022, from https://injurycenter.umich.edu/opioid-overdose/michigan-safer-opioid-prescribing-toolkit/management-strategies-for-chronic-opioid-use-opioid-use-disorders/naloxone/patients/
