Expert Insights
Working in community outreach in Oregon, I’ve connected with many individuals whose lives have been affected by addiction. What I’ve learned is that the line from substance use disorder to the criminal justice system is often a circle that just cycles over and over.
To make it worse, I’ve observed that addiction appears to be deeply intertwined with poverty, housing insecurity, and untreated psychological pain–making rehabilitation even harder.
According to the Oregon Health Authority, Oregonians took a bold step in 2020 by passing Measure 110. It decriminalized the possession of small amounts of drugs and redirected funds toward treatment and recovery services.
While the law remains controversial, it represents a shift toward treating addiction as a public health issue rather than a criminal one. We need to continue investing in programs that prioritize care over punishment and better support people in addressing the roots of addiction.
~ Elizabeth Austen
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost in Oregon?
Oregon is ranked 45th nationwide in terms of addiction treatment affordability, with an average cost of drug and alcohol rehab of $58,894 (without insurance).
- Medical detox is the most expensive, with an average cost of $145,195
- Long-term inpatient drug rehab in Oregon costs an average of $51,970
- Outpatient addiction treatment in Oregon costs an average of $8,635
- Outpatient methadone treatment is the most affordable, with an average cost of $7,673
Oregon rehabs exist on a continuum from detox to residential treatment to outpatient treatment. The cost of addiction treatment can vary considerably depending primarily on a few factors:
Treatment setting (inpatient or outpatient)
Features and amenities (luxury or standard rehab facility)
Duration of program (30, 60, or 90 days)
Health insurance plan
Choosing a rehab facility in-network with health insurance provider
Government funding
Location (city vs. suburb)
Some treatment programs also offer financial assistance and payment plans. State-funded rehabs offer treatment services to Oregon residents who qualify for financial assistance. There are 1,427 state-funded residential rehab beds throughout the state. All of these options are certainly worth asking about if you don’t have insurance or if you have a high deductible.
Paying for Addiction Treatment in Oregon
Private Pay and Insurance
There are many major commercial health insurance carriers in the state of Oregon. Additionally, in 2024, five insurers offered exchange plans on the Marketplace. Commercial providers include:
Kaiser Permanente
Alcohol and Substance use disorder treatment is covered under this insurance plan. They offer coverage for in-patient and outpatient treatment plans. This includes detox services, medication assisted treatment, individual, group and family counseling and recovery support. The total out-of-pocket cost depends on the insurance plan benefits.
Individuals should contact their insurance company to discuss coverage and to verify if prior authorization is needed for their individual treatment needs.
Aetna
Aetna of Oregon covers alcohol and substance use disorder treatment. Coverage and out-of-pocket expenses depend on the individual’s benefit plan.
These services may include inpatient and outpatient treatment, online and in person counseling services, and case management. Medication assisted treatment using Suboxone, Vivitrol or methadone is a covered service.
Individuals can contact their Aetna 360 Behavioral Health Program, and a care advocate will work on determining what the best substance abuse treatment options are for each circumstance. They offer services by licensed healthcare providers.
Prior authorization and Prior notification for some services is required for coverage.
United HealthCare
Alcohol and substance use disorder treatment are covered services with UHC. Benefit plans differ, so individuals will need to check their explanation of benefits summary to identify what are covered services and what the out-of-pocket cost will be. Prior authorization may be required for services.
UHC offers members a 24/7 substance use helpline number at 1-855-780-5955, individuals or family members can call in crisis or for information regarding treatment options, provider directory and resources in their community.
PacificSource Health Plans
PacificSource offers individual, family, employer sponsored, and Medicare plans. Alcohol and substance use disorder treatment are covered services. Benefit plans differ, and individuals should check with their provider to determine the covered benefits and what the out-of-pocket costs will be. This plan may require that you use in-network providers for maximum benefit coverage.
Prior authorization and Prior notification for some services is required for coverage.
Moda Health
Moda Health of Oregon covers alcohol and substance use disorder treatment. All services must meet the companies definition of medical necessity and most require prior authorization and use of in-network and participating facilities. They may include services such as in-patient and outpatient services, including medication assisted treatment, individual and group counseling, and early intervention programs.
Individuals should contact their provider to determine what treatment options are covered and what the out-of-pocket costs will be.
Medicaid
Oregon Health Plan provides health insurance coverage for residents who meet certain criteria such as income level, asset requirements, age,residency and certain medical conditions. These Medicaid plans cover inpatient and outpatient substance use disorder treatment services at facilities that accept this type of insurance. Since Oregon has a Medicaid system that offers individuals different types of benefit plans, for example some purchase plans on the marketplace and pay a fee for service, individuals need to check with their provider to determine what are covered services.
Medicare
Medicare provides insurance coverage for individuals over the age of 65 and in some cases individuals with disabilities and certain disorders. Medicare Part A pays for inpatient substance abuse treatment. Clients are required to pay the same co-pays they would be charged for any other type of inpatient hospitalization. For those with Medicare Part B, outpatient substance abuse treatment services from a clinic or hospital outpatient department are covered.
Military Insurance
TRICARE and VA benefits are accepted at participating providers throughout the state of Oregon. For those with alcohol and substance use disorders, the Veterans Administration offers inpatient and outpatient services at their clinics and hospitals at no cost.
Tribal funding/programs
All individuals of Native American or Alaska Native descent are eligible for health care and Medicaid through the Indian Health Service. Alcohol and substance use disorder treatment are covered services.
Other Low-Cost Options
For those individuals without commercial insurance, government sponsored insurance, or insurance through military service, some providers will accept sliding scale payment options, no fee for service, or financial aid. Clients will need to speak with service providers to find out what options are available to them.
Resources
- Kaiser Permanente. (2024). Drug and alcohol treatment and recovery. https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/colorado/health-wellness/addiction-and-recovery/drug-and-alcohol-treatment
- Oregon Hopeline. (2024). Reach out. https://oregonhopeline.org/
- Pacific Source. (2024). Important mental health and substance use disorder treatment. https://pacificsource.com/members/behavioral-health-services
- Save Lives Oregon. (2024). United for the health and dignity of people who use drugs. https://www.savelivesoregon.org/
- United Healthcare. (2024). Substance use helpline. https://www.uhc.com/member-resources/health-care-programs/substance-us
