Expert Insights
As an intensive outpatient program substance abuse counselor in Omaha, Nebraska, I’ve worked with many people struggling with fentanyl misuse.
I’ve witnessed how insidious fentanyl can be, especially for those initially prescribed it for legitimate pain management. Its highly addictive nature makes it particularly dangerous and many of my patients were unaware of the drug’s addictive potential.
Omaha community organizations partnered with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to recognize April 29 annually as National Fentanyl Awareness Day. This partnership acknowledges that fentanyl is a leading cause of drug related overdoses and death among Americans ages 18 to 44, and Midwest cities like Omaha are not immune.
~ Shaweta “Shay” Vasudeva, MA
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost in Nebraska?
Nebraska is ranked 42nd nationwide in terms of addiction treatment affordability, with an average cost of drug and alcohol rehab of $58,777 (without insurance).
- Medical detox is the most expensive, with an average cost of $144,907
- Long-term inpatient drug rehab in Nebraska costs an average of $51,867
- Outpatient addiction treatment in Nebraska costs an average of $8,618
- Outpatient methadone treatment is the most affordable, with an average cost of $7,657
Factors Impacting Treatment Cost:
- If you select an inpatient or outpatient program
- The types of special amenities offered by the facility
- Your length of stay for treatment
- If the chosen rehab is in-network with your insurance plan
- Location of the facility or detox center
The cost of your recovery program will depend on a number of factors. The total out-of-pocket costs depend on a number of variables, including the kind of program you choose and the type of insurance you have.
You can also find free, low-cost, or sliding-scale payment programs in Nebraska. Your income level, assets, insurance status, and residency will be used to determine eligibility. By offering affordable treatment, payment options, and plans, access to recovery is increased across the state.
Some facilities provide individual scholarships that can help you pay for treatment. Additionally, state-run programs will generally treat anyone in need of addiction treatment, regardless of their ability to pay (though waiting lists for admission can be very long). Remember to ask your chosen facility about their total out-of-pocket costs and billing policies.
Paying for Addiction Treatment in Nebraska
As of 2024, there were over 120 drug rehab facilities across the state of Nebraska. These facilities accept several payment methods. Of those treatment facilities, the following numbers reflect how many accept their respective payment methods:
107 accept self-payment or cash
77 offer sliding-scale fees for those without insurance
106 accept Medicaid insurance coverage
71 accept state funded insurance coverage
99 accept private health insurance
54 offer free or low-cost treatment
4 offer free treatment for all clients
29 accept tribal funding
Private Pay and Health Insurance
If you don’t have insurance, most treatment centers will let you pay out of pocket. Sometimes they have special rates or income based sliding scales for people who are paying cash.
If you have health insurance, you may be able to use it to pay for alcohol and drug rehab.
This is the most common way people use to fund their treatment. You may have health insurance through an employer or you may get it through Marketplace Nebraska, the official state health insurance marketplace. If you get it through the marketplace, you may be able to get subsidies depending on your income. Common health insurance benefits providers in Nebraska include:
- Cigna
- Medica
- Aetna
- UnitedHealth
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska
- MHNet
- Ambetter
Medicaid
Medicaid is a state run health insurance program for people with low income. If you have Medicaid in Nebraska, your addiction treatment will be covered. In 2020, Nebraska expanded Medicaid to allow it to cover more people. As of 2021, you no longer have to meet a work requirement to qualify for Medicaid in Nebraska. You can apply for Medicaid through the Nebraska iServe portal. Once you have gone through that process and the government has deemed you Medicaid eligible, you can sign up for a plan through the Nebraska Heritage Health Program. This program works like an insurance marketplace that is just for Nebraska’s managed Medicaid plans.
Medicare
Medicare is the federally run health insurance plan for people who are over 65 or who are disabled. If you or your loved one have Medicare, it covers services from addiction treatment centers. To get Medicare, you can go through the federal government or you get a Medicare Advantage plan. If you’re considering a Medicare Advantage plan and think you might need substance use treatment at some point, you’ll want to make sure there are addiction providers in the network of the plan you’re considering. You can usually do that by searching the plan’s network online.
Military Health Benefits
Most military health benefits pay for addiction treatment. The difference between the plans is in how you access treatment. People who get their health care through the VA can also get their addiction treatment there. Every VA health system has addiction treatment services. To access those services, you can talk to your VA primary care provider or you search for VA substance treatment near you.
Some people receive their military health care benefits through TRICARE. This coverage functions like regular health insurance. They have a network of health care providers, which includes substance use treatment. In Nebraska, you’re part of the TRICARE West network.
Alternatively, you may be getting your military benefits through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veteran Affairs, also known as CHAMPVA. If you have this type of health coverage, you also have substance use coverage. Sometimes people with CHAMPVA can get healthcare at their local VA. If that’s how you’re getting your healthcare, then you can get your substance use treatment the same way. Sometimes people with CHAMPVA use the TRICARE network for their health services. If you want to use the TRICARE network, you will need to check with the provider that they also accept CHAMPVA.
Tribal Funding for Substance Use Disorder
Your local Indian Health Service clinic can be a good starting point for finding substance use treatment. They will usually be able to help you with outpatient counseling and medication management. Treatment at an IHS clinic is free for you if you’re a member of a federally recognized tribe.
If you need residential treatment for substance abuse, the Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition operates a ten bed addiction treatment center in Lincoln. They offer additional substance use treatment services that you might not find at your local IHS clinic. Visit their website to learn more.
If you get health insurance as an Indigenous American, it won’t stop you from being able to use IHS services and will increase your access to other service providers.
Other Low-Cost Options
In Nebraska, you may be able to find addiction treatment resources at the regional level that are affordable. The Nebraska Division of Behavioral Health oversees a network of resources in six different geographical regions. You can find their search portal here.
Some faith based organizations help people to stop using substances through intensive bible study and teaching people how to live a faith based lifestyle. These programs are sometimes offered free of charge.
If you have opioid use disorder, treatment with medications may stabilize you enough that you can get your treatment as an outpatient without having to undergo expensive residential treatment. Your primary care provider may be able to provide medication treatment, or they may be able to refer you to someone who can assess if this option is right for you.
Resources
- America’s Health Rankings. (2021). Non-Medical Drug Use – Past Year In Nebraska.
- Nebraska DHHS. (2022). Medicaid Behavioral Health Service Definitions.
- Medicare.gov. (2022). Inpatient hospital care.
- NAMI. (2022). Acamprosate (Campral).
- Nebraska DHHS. (2022). Naloxone Distribution Program
