Expert Insights
Columbus residents find themselves in a state with one of the highest rates of drug overdose deaths. In Franklin County alone, 825 residents died of drug overdose in 2021. Clearly, there’s a huge need for treatment here. Fortunately, treatment is available. Unfortunately, it’s not affordable. The median household income in Columbus is just over $58,000. If you need residential rehab in Columbus, that will run you nearly $57,000. And sadly, only five facilities in the entire state offer free drug rehab treatment for all patients. Something needs to change. For Columbus residents to get the help they need, we must provide more affordable options for treatment.
~ Kerry Nenn
Columbus Drug News
How Expensive is Drug Rehab in Columbus?
Services in Columbus can range from affordable or even free to very expensive. The cost depends on what type of services you require. For example, living in a residential center brings with it the cost of room and board and meals.
Other treatments, such as equine therapy, yoga therapy, or training with a certified instructor, may come at a higher cost. Another important factor to consider is what type of financial assistance options are available. Some facilities offer a sliding-scale fee schedule or scholarships for low-income patients.
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost in Ohio?
Ohio is ranked 25th nationwide in terms of addiction treatment affordability, with an average cost of drug and alcohol rehab of $56,688 (without insurance).
- Medical detox is the most expensive, with an average cost of $139,757
- Long-term inpatient drug rehab in Ohio costs an average of $50,024
- Outpatient addiction treatment in Ohio costs an average of $8,312
- Outpatient methadone treatment is the most affordable, with an average cost of $7,385
How to Pay For Addiction Treatment in Columbus
Regardless of your financial situation, addiction treatment services are within reach. Many Columbus alcohol rehabs accept private pay as well as private health insurance. Others accept state-funded health insurance programs, such as Medicaid or Military Insurance (a.k.a., Tricare).
It is common to find facilities or detox centers in Columbus that accept any combination of these options. You also can try crowdfunding or asking friends and family to contribute to your cost of care.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), within 25 miles of the city center of Columbus, there are:
47 accept self-payment or cash
20 accept Medicaid insurance coverage
23 accept State-Specific insurance coverage
47 accept private health insurance
Free or Low-Cost Drug Rehab Centers in Columbus
Columbus has many low-cost and free options across the city and Franklin County. These services are accessible to individuals who do not have health insurance coverage and/or have no income.
In order to qualify, you will be required to verify your Ohio residency, your legal status in the United States, information about your addiction status, and proof of income and lack of insurance.
Resources
- Overdose Deaths Franklin County, Ohio (2022). Tableau.com.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Behavioral Treatment Locator.
- State Medical Board of Ohio. (2022). Newly Adopted and Proposed Rules: Telehealth
- Ohio Department of Health. (2022). No Matter What.
- Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services. (2022). Driver Intervention Program.
