Expert Insights
At a time when addiction, particularly opioid addiction is ravaging our nation, I cannot believe that it is easier to access medication-assisted treatment in a different country!
I just heard on the radio that methadone treatment is easier to find in Canada than America, according to researchers at Washington State University. This makes me so sad, having lost so many friends to opioid addiction. It doesn’t make sense that a proven effective treatment is so hard to find when so many people are dying from opioid overdoses.
Fortunately, there is one methadone treatment clinic in Spokane, which is great for residents! But, if you live outside the area, you will have to return to Spokane to receive treatment. We need to do more, and we need more treatment centers across the state if we have any hope of reducing deaths.
~ Olivia Pennelle
How Expensive is Drug Rehab in Spokane?
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
- United States Drug Enforcement Agency. (2022). Operation Engage.
- Washington State Department of Health. (2022). Washington State Drug Overdose: Monthly Updates.
