Expert Insights
The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma is the nation’s largest Native American tribe, with well over 441,000 currently enrolled citizens. They are also a member of the states who sued pharmaceutical giants who played a large role in creating and expanding the nation’s opioid crisis back in 2017. The pharmaceutical companies agreed to a settlement, and the Cherokee will receive a large portion of that settlement amount. As for the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, they plan to use $18 million of the total $98 million in opioid settlement funds to build a 50-bed, 17,000-square-foot treatment facility in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, which is the headquarters for the tribe. TAccording to tribal spokespeople, the facility will be completely operated by members of the tribe and provide free addiction treatment for Cherokee Nation citizens who need services.
~ Rita Milios
How Expensive is Drug Rehab in Oklahoma City?
The cost of addiction treatment in Oklahoma City can vary widely. Your out-of-pocket expenses will depend on multiple factors, including:
Type of rehab (inpatient vs. outpatient)
Amenities and features (luxury vs. standard)
Length of treatment stay
Insurance plans accepted
Government funding
Location
A residential stay is typically more costly since it includes the price of staying on-site with meals, therapy, and other services. Luxury or executive addiction treatment centers with advanced amenities have even higher costs.
If cost is a concern, you can find free, low-cost, or sliding-scale facilities or detox centers in Oklahoma City. Some facilities offer payment plans where you make smaller payments over time.
Under the Affordable Care Act, all insurance plans must cover some treatment, so all private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or military insurance will help pay for addiction care. Your insurance company can tell you which facilities, services, or providers are covered.
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma is ranked 5th nationwide in terms of addiction treatment affordability, with an average cost of drug and alcohol rehab of $54,475 (without insurance).
- Medical detox is the most expensive, with an average cost of $134,301
- Inpatient drug rehab in Oklahoma costs an average of $48,071
- Outpatient addiction treatment in Oklahoma costs and average of $7,988
- Outpatient methadone treatment is the most affordable, with an average cost of $7,097
Are There Low-Cost and Free Drug Rehab Centers in Oklahoma City?
There are no state-operated addiction treatment facilities in Oklahoma City. The state of Oklahoma partners with non-profit and private centers to certify Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC), which offer services regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. The programs are generally outpatient and do not offer medical detox on-site.
SoonerCare, the state’s Medicaid program, covers substance use care, including inpatient detox. Prior authorization is required for SoonerCare participants.
As of 2024, there were over 210 drug rehab facilities across the state of Oklahoma. Of those treatment facilities, the following numbers reflect how many programs offer free or low cost payment methods:
156 accept self-payment or cash
108 offer sliding-scale fees for those without insurance
150 accept Medicaid insurance coverage
88 accept state funded insurance coverage
110 accept private health insurance
137 offer free or low-cost treatment
13 offer free treatment for all clients
65 accept tribal funding
Resources
- America’s Health Rankings. (2021). Non-Medical Drug Use – Past Year In Oklahoma.
- Oklahoma Health Care Authority. (2022). Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Major Depression.
- American Psychiatric Association. (2021). What are Anxiety Disorders?
- Oklahoma Mental Health and Substance Abuse. (2022). Oklahoma Drug Courts.
- Oklahoma State Department of Health. (2022). Naloxone.
- OK I’m Ready. (2022). Overdose.
