Expert Insights
Drug abuse in Murfreesboro, Tennessee is well documented, however the number of overdose deaths during the Covid pandemic increased to epic proportions.
When you compare the number of overdose deaths in 2018 to 2020, the massive increase is undeniable. In Tennessee, there were 1,818 cases of overdose statewide. By the time 2020 rolled around, that number exploded to 3,032 overdose deaths. These deaths were driven by opioids, like most other areas of the country. Murfreesboro’s Rutherford County is one of several counties receiving millions of dollars in funding over the next 18 years to continue fighting drug abuse.
With that funding, a task force will be created to raise awareness of drug abuse, educate the community about the dangers of drug abuse, and most importantly, to provide assistance to those who are suffering from addiction. This is a good thing, considering resources in many areas of Tennessee are lacking.
~ Kerry Nenn
How Expensive is Drug Rehab in Murfreesboro?
The cost of treatment at Murfreesboro drug rehabs can vary widely. The type of facility you choose, the type of care you need, and the length of your program will all impact your costs. Whether you have health insurance and your plan’s extent of addiction coverage will also help determine your out-of-pocket expenses.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 19 alcohol and drug facilities are located within a 25-mile radius of Murfreesboro. Most accept one or more forms of insurance, and some offer financial aid to qualifying individuals. These facilities accept several forms of payment to accommodate a wide variety of needs. Here’s the breakdown:
18 accept cash or self-payment
3 use a sliding fee scale for patients in need
9 accept Medicaid health insurance
4 accept Medicare health insurance
10 accept private health insurance
8 accept military insurance
If you’re ready to get treatment but are worried you can’t afford the cost, help is available. Several rehabs and detox centers in Murfreesboro can work with you to ensure you get the care you need, regardless of your ability to pay.
Are There Low-Cost and Free Drug Rehab Centers in Murfreesboro?
Whether you have the financial resources to pay for a portion of your costs or cannot pay for any of your rehab expenses, you have options. Low-cost and free addiction services are available both in and near Murfreesboro to make rehab more accessible to all.
Sliding-Scale Programs
If you need reduced-cost or free treatment, look for an alcohol or drug rehab in Murfreesboro that uses a sliding fee scale. This variable fee structure bases your out-of-pocket costs on your income, allowing you to pay what you can reasonably afford. The lower your income, the lower your program fee will be.
Depending on the facility and its fee structure, services may be free of charge for households with incomes that fall at or below the federal poverty level. Households with incomes above that level generally pay a predetermined percentage of their total program cost based on where they fall on the scale.
State-Funded Facilities
If you have a low income and no insurance, you may qualify for low-cost or free care at a state-funded drug or alcohol rehab in Murfreesboro. These facilities get funding from state and local governments, which allows them to provide evidence-based treatment at little to no cost for qualifying Tennessee residents.
If you’re interested in obtaining low-cost or free treatment at one of these facilities, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:5
- You lack the financial resources to pay for care
- You’re not currently a Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare) beneficiary
- You don’t have any health benefits from a third-party source
- You’ve exhausted your TennCare or third-party benefits for addiction treatment
- Your income falls at or below 133% of the federal poverty level as defined by the United States Department of Health and Human Services
To learn more about qualifying for state-funded treatment and which local facilities offer subsidized care, you can contact the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
Scholarships
Scholarships provide partial or full funding for addiction treatment costs, depending on the award. Some Murfreesboro alcohol rehabs may offer in-house scholarships to patients who need financial aid. Others may partner with third-party donor associations that award need-based funding to eligible individuals.
To qualify for a scholarship, you’ll need to apply and provide proof of financial need. You may also need to prove that you’ve exhausted all other financial assistance options. If you’re interested in applying for this type of funding, contact local facilities to ask if they offer it. Local charity organizations, churches, and nonprofits may also be able to point you in the direction of groups that offer these awards.
Insurance-Covered Treatment
If you have health insurance, you may be able to use it to pay for care at a Murfreesboro drug rehab. Most private policies and employer-sponsored plans provide coverage for addiction and mental health treatment, as the Affordable Care Act classifies these services as essential health benefits.6 Government-sponsored healthcare plans like Medicaid and Medicare also cover a range of medically-necessary mental health, alcohol, and drug services.
Whether your insurance covers care in part or in full, it can dramatically reduce the cost of your program. But you may still be responsible for paying an out-of-pocket deductible or copay, depending on your plan. You may also need to choose a facility within your plan’s network to use your insurance benefits.
To find Murfreesboro detox centers and rehabs that take your insurance, you can call local facilities and ask about the types of insurance they accept.
Resources
- Tennessee Department of Health. (n.d.). Tennessee Drug Overdose Dashboard, Nonfatal Drug Overdose Trends by County.
- Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services. (n.d.). Adult Substance Abuse Treatment.
- Frank, R. G., Beronio, K., & Glied, S. A. (2014). Behavioral Health Parity and the Affordable Care Act. Journal of Social Work in Disability & Rehabilitation, 13(1-2), 31-43.
- Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2016). Medicare Coverage of Substance Abuse Services.
