Expert Insights
Addiction is a challenge across the nation and New Hampshire is no exception. But addiction comes in many forms and some of them are unexpected. I’ve seen firsthand the devastating effects that nicotine can have on individuals of all ages. This includes the use of electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, also known as vapes.
While sometimes presented as less harmful than smoking, the reality is that vapes contain harmful chemicals like nicotine, as well as heavy metals and carcinogens. These can lead to dangerous outcomes, like lung damage and addiction. They can also hinder healthy brain development, especially in young adults.
According to a recent report from The Truth Initiative, 16.2% of high school students in New Hampshire used e-cigarette products at least once a month in 2021.
Data from the state’s Division of Public Health Services shows that adolescent use of e-cigarettes exceeds the use of other tobacco products, including cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. Recovery experts must understand these effects and work together to dispel any myths that vapes or e-cigarettes are healthier than other tobacco products.
Special efforts should be made to educate and support youth across the state to encourage healthy decision-making and lower usage rates.
~ Shaweta “Shay” Vasudeva, MA
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire costs an average of $51,867
- Outpatient addiction treatment in New Hampshire costs an average of $8,618
- Outpatient methadone treatment is the most affordable, with an average cost of $7,657
The cost of drug and alcohol rehabs in New Hampshire will depend on a number of different factors:
Type of facility or detox center you choose
Which special amenities the facility has
The duration of your treatment
If the rehab is in your insurance plan’s network
Location of the program
How to Pay for Drug Rehab in New Hampshire
As of 2024, there were over 120 drug rehab facilities across the state of New Hampshire. These facilities accept several payment methods. Of those treatment facilities, the following numbers reflect how many accept their respective payment methods:
108 accept self-payment or cash
73 offer sliding-scale fees for those without insurance
100 accept Medicaid insurance coverage
80 accept state funded insurance coverage
102 accept private health insurance
55 offer free or low-cost treatment
0 offer free treatment for all clients
12 accept tribal funding
There are multiple ways to pay for the addiction treatment you need to create a new life. Here are a few ideas to think about.
Private Pay and Insurance
One of the best ways to pay for rehab is to use your health insurance coverage. Many health insurance plans have coverage for mental healthcare and addiction treatment. To ensure your insurance covers as much as possible, talk to the insurer to find out what rehab centers are in your plan’s provider network. Most insurance plans don’t cover treatment outside the network. Even if your plan does, it will cost you a lot more out of your own pocket.
Common health insurance companies in New Hampshire include:
- Aetna
- Cigna
- Harvard Pilgrim
- Ambetter
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Tufts Health Freedom
- United Healthcare
Medicaid
NH Medicaid is the state’s medical insurance program for those with lower incomes. The program pays for medical care including mental health and addiction treatment. NH Medicaid can pay some or all of the cost of residential, intensive outpatient and general outpatient treatment. You can also get coverage for medical detox and peer recovery support. NH Medicaid can cover medication assisted treatment if you’re struggling with alcohol or opioid misuse.
Medicare
Medicare is a national program that covers you if you’re 65 or older, permanently disabled or have specific health conditions. Private health insurance companies can offer Medicare Advantage plans which replace Original Medicare and may provide extra benefits. However, Medicare Advantage plans also have a provider network that you have to use, so keep that in mind when using your Medicare coverage for addiction treatment.
Military Insurance
If you bravely serve our country in the armed forces, thank you! You’ve experienced things civilians can never imagine. As a result you might struggle with mental health and/or substance use. Fortunately both TRICARE and VA insurance cover mental health and addiction treatment. You can get help by visiting a VA or military medical clinic and talking to the doctor about your struggles. You may be referred to residential or outpatient care, or medication assisted treatment, depending on your needs.
Tribal Funding and Programs
There aren’t specific tribal funding programs for Native Americans, but if you have a lower income you may qualify for NH Medicaid which can help you access addiction treatment for free or at a low cost. There are several treatment centers that have a specific focus on Native American culture and can offer culturally appropriate treatment, including Medicine Wheel and other approaches.
Other Low Cost Options
Many treatment centers have ways to make rehab more affordable. For example, some offer scholarships or are willing to set up a variety of payment plans to make it easier to pay for treatment. Other centers have a sliding scale of fees so that if you have a lower income, especially compared to your household size, you can pay less for treatment. You may also qualify for financial aid at a rehab. These options vary so be sure to talk to the treatment center for details.
Resources
- Drug Environment Report-UNCLASSIFIED (n.d.). Overview Drug Overdose Deaths Drug Overdose Deaths Map
- State of New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services. (2022). Medicaid.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Medication-assisted Treatment.
- Mystic Media. (2022). New Hampshire.
