Expert Insights
A close friend of mine in South Dakota struggled with prescription drug abuse involving opioids and stimulants.
This started off as pain management medication but quickly spiraled into a battle that took a serious toll on their life. The physical effects of addiction were difficult but the isolation and shame that came with it magnified the pain.
Prescription drug abuse has become a growing crisis in South Dakota. A study from the South Dakota Epidemiological Outcomes notes that deaths from overdose increased 77.8% between 2013 and 2022. There’s clearly an urgent need for stronger targeted prevention programs and rehabilitation.
The crisis is greater in rural communities because it often goes unnoticed.
~ Elizabeth Austen
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost in South Dakota?
South Dakota is ranked 9th nationwide in terms of addiction treatment affordability, with an average cost of drug and alcohol rehab of $56,108 (without insurance).
- Medical detox is the most expensive, with an average cost of $138,327
- Long-term inpatient drug rehab in South Dakota costs an average of $49,512
- Outpatient addiction treatment in South Dakota costs an average of $8,227
- Outpatient methadone treatment is the most affordable, with an average cost of $7,310
The cost of alcohol and drug rehab in South Dakota can vary greatly depending on the type of treatment you receive. From detox to residential inpatient and outpatient to ongoing counseling therapies, many elements factor into the total cost of rehab. South Dakota also offers free, low-cost, and luxury rehabs.
How to Pay for Drug Rehab in South Dakota
As of 2024, there were over 60 drug rehab facilities across the state of South Dakota. These facilities accept several payment methods. Of those treatment facilities, the following numbers reflect how many accept their respective payment methods:
There are several options to help pay for your addiction treatment in South Dakota. Some programs offer free care and others give you low cost options to help reduce your expenses and make addiction treatment more accessible.
Private Pay + Insurance
Federal law regulates commercial health insurance providers. Two laws mandate that insurance plans cover mental health and substance abuse treatment, including the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and the 2010 Affordable Care Act. However, there are exceptions to these laws, so you must verify your coverage before you begin treatment.
Some insurance policies require prior authorization before you can begin treatment. This typically includes documentation of medical necessity, which many treatment centers can help you gather. Some people choose to pay privately, which offers more confidentiality and reduces the potential for their employer to know they are getting addiction treatment. The following are the three major commercial insurance providers in South Dakota.
- Avera
- Sanford Health Plan
- Wellmark
Medicaid
Medicaid is a state and federally funded health plan that covers individuals who meet eligibility requirements. These requirements include being a U.S. citizen or a qualified immigrant, current Social Security number, resident of South Dakota, and income criteria. Medicaid meets the essential services outlined by the 2010 Affordable Care Act and covers treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.
The South Dakota Department of Social Services4 administers Medicaid for the state. You can check eligibility on their website or the Health Insurance Marketplace. South Dakota voted to expand eligibility in 2023 so adults making 138% of the poverty level met eligibility requirements.
Medicare
Medicare is federally funded health coverage designed for people aged 65 and older. Medicare also meets the legal requirements for essential healthcare services, including coverage for mental health and substance abuse treatment. Original Medicare has two parts – Parts A and B. These cover inpatient and outpatient care for general medical and surgical care and substance abuse treatment.
Medicare Parts C and D are premium based managed care plans you can purchase from private insurance companies. Part C helps manage Parts A and B and some offer additional coverage, and Part D covers prescription drugs, including those in opioid drug substitution plans, such as methadone. There are 192,000 people enrolled in Medicare in South Dakota and only about one third are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Military Insurance
There are several military healthcare facilities in South Dakota, including the VA Sioux Falls Healthcare System and the 28th Medical Group at Ellsworth Air Force Base. TRICARE is a healthcare program for active duty and retired military personnel and their families.
Comprehensive coverage includes treatment for mental health in substance abuse within the military health system at hospitals and clinics around the world. TRICARE is also accepted at a wide network of civilian healthcare facilities. TRICARE manages healthcare in three regions, and South Dakota is managed by the West Region and Health Net Federal services.
South Dakota offers special military benefits including eligibility for education assistance and property tax exemption. VA health care is offered at Fort Meade, Hot Springs, and Sioux Falls, and community-based clinics throughout South Dakota.
Tribal Funding and Programs
There are nine federally recognized tribes living in South Dakota, including the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Tribal Governments, and Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe. In 2023, South Dakota awarded $16.3 million in 33 grants to benefit various tribal and local governments focused on supporting Public Safety and Community Justice.
The Behavioral Health Funding Opportunity and Grant from the South Dakota Department of Social Services also issued Opioid Settlement Fund Community Grants to support efforts to alleviate the impact the opioid crisis has had on the South Dakota communities. South Dakota Grant Watch lists 39 substance abuse treatment and prevention grants, seven of which address the needs of tribal communities in South Dakota.
Other Low-Cost Options
When you do not have commercial health insurance and cannot self pay, other low-cost options can make drug rehab accessible. The fastest way to receive care is a personal loan from a bank or family and friends. While getting a loan from the bank is typically more confidential, your friends and family likely offer a lower interest rate and have a more flexible repayment plan.
Other financial aid options include payment plans and sliding scale fees from the addiction treatment center you choose. Usually, you must prove your income and ability to pay to receive this help. If you do not have commercial Health insurance, you may qualify for government sponsored Medicaid or Medicare. Both of these healthcare plans offer coverage for mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Community-based groups and organizations may offer grants and scholarships to help pay for alcohol and drug rehab. You should also consider raising funds from family and friends or crowdsourcing. While this might feel uncomfortable, not receiving treatment can be far more expensive when you consider the cost of drugs, loss of employment, damage to relationships, and possible incarceration.
Resources
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). South Dakota State-Specific Tables.
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2021). Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help. National Institutes of Health.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022, March 22). Treatment and Recovery. National Institutes of Health.
- Melemis, S. M. (2015, September 3). Relapse Prevention and the Five Rules of Recovery. The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, 88(3), 325-332.