Expert Insights
I recently read about an event in Norfolk, Virginia, which I found really impressive and impactful. The Barry Robinson Center held a community conversation about teenage drug abuse and addiction.
The Center is a child behavioral health resource, and they stated the purpose of the event was to create a safe place where parents and loved ones could come speak with experts about drug trends and learn what to do if they think their teenager or child might be abusing drugs. With the new lingo that kids have developed to discuss drugs and buying drugs on social media, it’s hard for parents to know what their kids are even talking about…much less decode the language in an attempt to understand exactly what drugs they’re discussing with friends or drug dealers.
I think this is something that should happen in every community across the nation.
~ Nikki Seay
How Expensive is Drug Rehab in Norfolk?
The cost of drug and alcohol rehab in Norfolk depends on the type of services you receive, your source of funding, and the organization providing the services. The cost may be higher if you receive care for more than one substance, and the service setting also affects the cost.
Additionally, you can expect outpatient treatment to be less expensive than inpatient.3
Are There Low-Cost and Free Drug Rehab Centers in Norfolk?
The city of Norfolk provides state-funded programs through the Norfolk Community Service Board (NCSB).4 State-funded drug rehabs in Norfolk, Virginia, are supported with public funds, primarily Medicaid.4 Virginia Medicaid provides free and low-cost health coverage for pregnant women, children, and adults, including people with disabilities.5
Do Medicare and Medicaid Cover Rehab Center Costs?
Yes, Medicare and Medicaid cover services for certain groups of people in Norfolk, Virginia. Medicare covers rehab for people who are 65 years and older, as well as those younger than 65 with a disability.6 You may receive Medicare coverage for necessary and reasonable services, such as:7
- Screening
- Referrals
- Brief interventions
- Outpatient
- Inpatient
- Partial hospitalization
Virginia Medicaid covers rehab for people with low income who meet the income qualification for their household size.5 Virginia Medicaid has no monthly premiums or enrollment fees for people who meet their income requirements.5 You may receive coverage for the following services under Virginia Medicaid through NBCS:4
- Case management
- Housing support
- Therapy
- Support services
- Outreach
- Psychiatric care
- Medical care
Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC Metropolitan Statistical Area.
- Cover Virginia. (2022). Our programs.
- SMART Recovery. (2022). Our Approach: Key Areas of Awareness and Change.
- National Institute on Drug Addiction. (2022, March 22). Drugs, brains, and behavior: The science of addiction.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Certification of opioid treatment programs (OTP).
- Commonwealth of Virginia. (2022). § 38.2-3412.1. Coverage for mental health and substance use disorders.
