Drug and Alcohol Misuse Statistics in Erie, PA
Recent statistics indicate there is a rise in drug concerns in Erie, but support systems are available to help meet these challenges. Check out the following:3,4
Erie saw overdose incidents increase by 196% and overdose deaths increase by 400% from 2019 to 2020.
In the first 6 months of 2021, Erie experienced a 97% increase in overdose victims.
Erie, PA offers 15 free or sliding-scale treatment programs and 2 detox centers.
90 fatal overdoses were reported in Erie County in 2020.
How to Pay for Addiction Treatment in Erie, Pennsylvania
Private Insurance
Insurance providers must cover substance abuse and mental health treatment services to some extent. However, specific coverage varies by plan, so Pennsylvania residents must contact their providers to confirm how much and which treatments are covered by their plan.
Pennsylvania Medicaid
Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program, Medical Assistance (MA), provides health insurance to low-income residents. It covers treatment services like inpatient drug rehab and outpatient substance abuse treatment. To qualify, residents typically are required to provide proof of income. Additionally, to use MA to pay for rehab, the facility must accept MA as a method of payment.
Pennsylvania Medicare
Pennsylvania Medicare is a federal program providing healthcare coverage to residents over the age of 65 as well as those with certain health conditions or disabilities. Pennsylvanians can use Medicare to cover the cost of drug addiction treatment services, including rehab. However, not all rehabs accept Medicare insurance.
TRICARE in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania TRICARE (East region) is a government program that provides health insurance coverage for military personnel, veterans, and their families. TRICARE coverage includes addiction treatment services; however, specific coverage varies by plan.
Sliding Scale Rehabs
Sliding scale rehabs charge only what a resident can reasonably afford to pay, based on their income. To qualify for a sliding scale rehab in Pennsylvania, residents must provide proof of income.
IHS-Funded Drug Rehabs
Drug rehabs funded by the Indian Health Service (IHS) provide free addiction treatment to Alaskan Natives and Native Americans.
Resources
- Overview. (n.d.). Pennsylvania Drug Threat Assessment. Retrieved September 23, 2022, from https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs0/670/overview.htm
- Palattella, E., & Flowers, K. (2022, May 13). 25 indicted in Erie federal court, charged with dealing cocaine, fentanyl, meth. Erie Times-News. https://www.goerie.com/story/news/crime/2022/05/13/fentanyl-cocaine-and-meth-25-indicted-in-erie-federal-case-paul-sellers/65355140007/
- Hahn, T. (2021, February 21). Erie County drug use: Aid efforts ongoing; city sees rise in overdose cases, deaths in 2020. Erie Times-News. https://www.goerie.com/story/news/local/2021/02/21/drug-deaths-erie-county-sees-rise-fatal-overdoses-2020-aid-ongoing/4386439001/
- City of erie comprehensive opioid, stimulant, and substance abuse site-based program. (n.d.). Bureau of Justice Assistance. Retrieved September 23, 2022, from https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/awards/15pbja-21-gg-04599-coap