Substance Abuse Statistics in Bellingham, WA
The following numbers provide an overview of the current substance abuse trends in Bellingham’s Whatcom County, WA:2,3,4
Whatcom County saw an 82.4% increase in opioid deaths between 2002 and 2021.
In 2021, fentanyl was present in 58% of drug overdose deaths.
Alcohol was present in 26% of the 2021 drug overdose deaths in Whatcom County.
20% of adults reported excessive drinking in 2021.
How to Pay for Drug Rehab in Bellingham, Washington
Private Insurance
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires all insurance providers to cover substance abuse treatment to some extent. Since each plan differs regarding specific coverage, Washington residents must check with their provider to confirm exactly what is covered under their plan.
Washington Medicaid
Washington Medicaid is a government program for low-income residents that provides health coverage for individuals and families whose income is below specific levels. To use this program, residents must qualify and apply for Medicaid coverage, and the treatment facility must accept Medicaid as a method of payment.
Washington Medicare
Medicare is a government program that provides health insurance coverage for Washington residents aged 65 or older and individuals with certain disabilities. Not all rehab facilities accept Medicare as a payment method, so it’s important to research each program to determine if Medicare benefits will apply to their services.
Sliding Scale Rehabs
Sliding scale rehabs allow Washington residents to pay only what they can afford for treatment, based on their income. To qualify, residents must usually provide proof of income.
TRICARE in Washington
TRICARE in Washington (West region) provides health insurance coverage for U.S. military personnel, veterans, and their families. This coverage includes addiction treatment services, but not all plans offer the same amount of coverage.
IHS-Funded Drug Rehabs
Indian Health Service (IHS) rehabs provide free or low-cost treatment for Native Americans and Native Alaskans. This program is available even if the individual has other methods they could use for payment.
Resources
- Whatcom County Jail to provide medications necessary to treat opioid addiction in landmark settlement proposed in civil rights lawsuit. (n.d.). American Civil Liberties Union. Retrieved October 14, 2022, from https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/whatcom-county-jail-provide-medications-necessary-treat-opioid-addiction-landmark
- Washington state opioid trends: Deaths. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2022, from https://adai.washington.edu/WAdata/deaths.htm#showdiv1
- Whatcom County Medical Examiner. (2021). WHATCOM COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER Annual Report 2021. https://www.whatcomcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/66047/2021-Annual-Report
- County health rankings & roadmaps. (n.d.). County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. Retrieved October 14, 2022, from https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/app/washington/2021/rankings/whatcom/county/outcomes/overall/snapshot