Expert Insights
As an educator who’s helped support adolescents and teens transition into early adulthood throughout West Virginia, I’ve seen firsthand the negative effects drugs can have on a child’s future. When mental health struggles are at play, the challenges they face are often compounded.
The latest data from the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics highlights that teens in West Virginia are over 5% more likely than other American teens to use drugs in the past month. This rate jumps to 13% for young adults aged 18 to 25.
What usually starts off as peer pressure or societal trends can and often does escalate into drug and alcohol addictions, and even dependencies on dangerous drugs like fentanyl and other illicit substances.
While there has been improvement over the years, I can’t underscore the importance of providing underserved students and their families access to addiction education, quality care, and harm reduction supports like Narcan.
~ Nadia El-Yaouti, M.Ed.
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost in West Virginia?
West Virginia is ranked 38th nationwide in terms of addiction treatment affordability, with an average cost of drug and alcohol rehab of $57,881 (without insurance).
- Medical detox is the most expensive, with an average cost of $142,698
- Long-term inpatient drug rehab in West Virginia costs an average of $51,076
- Outpatient addiction treatment in West Virginia costs an average of $8,487
- Outpatient methadone treatment is the most affordable, with an average cost of $7,541
The cost of rehab in West Virginia varies based on several factors. For instance, the type of facilities available and the type of program are two determining factors in the ultimate costs. The best way to estimate what drug and alcohol rehab in West Virginia will cost is to consider the following:
The type of treatment program you need (inpatient vs. outpatient care)
Whether it’s a luxury-style facility or offers basic amenities
The duration of treatment needed
Whether or not you have insurance
Selecting a rehab facility in-network with your health insurance provider
Whether or not you’re eligible for special financing or government funding
The location of the facility
It’s important not to stress about being able to afford alcohol or drug rehab in West Virginia. While there are some non-negotiable costs, such as room and board, there are plenty of options that accommodate all levels of income. For example, having insurance can help reduce your rehab costs significantly. Of course, you’ll need to make sure the facility you choose is in-network with your insurance provider.
If you don’t have insurance and aren’t able to pay out of pocket, you can look for state-funded programs. These facilities sometimes offer free treatment for those who meet certain criteria. They may also offer special financing and scholarships based on your financial needs.
Paying For Addiction Treatment in West Virginia
As of 2024, there were over 130 drug rehab facilities across the state of West Virginia. These facilities accept several payment methods. Of those treatment facilities, the following numbers reflect how many offer free or low-cost treatment programs:
106 accept self-payment or cash
54 offer sliding-scale fees for those without insurance
112 accept Medicaid insurance coverage
80 accept state funded insurance coverage
93 accept private health insurance
68 offer free or low-cost treatment
7 offer free treatment for all clients
8 accept tribal funding
Paying for addiction treatment centers can be challenging but several options can help including insurance coverage, state and government sponsored coverage or care, payment plans, and sliding scale fees. Nonprofit or faith based organizations may also offer free or low cost treatment. It’s crucial to explore all your available options to get the care you need when you need it.
Private pay + Insurance
People with commercial health insurance typically have coverage for addiction treatment. Two Federal laws mandate insurance provider coverage for substance abuse or mental health treatment, but there are exceptions. The laws include the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and the 2010 Affordable Care Act.
The level of coverage and benefits varies depending on your insurance policy. Most treatment centers will verify your insurance coverage and help estimate your potential out of pocket costs. Even with insurance coverage, you may need help with your part of the expenses, such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Some people choose to pay privately to keep their addiction treatment confidential. These are some of the commercial insurance companies that provide coverage in West Virginia.
- Aetna – Medicaid Managed Care
- CareSource
- Coventry Health Care of West Virginia, Inc.
- Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia
- The Health Plan of the Upper Ohio Valley, Inc.
- Peak Health
- UNICARE Health Plan of West Virginia, Inc.
- UnitedHealthcare
- West Virginia Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) program (Medicaid Qualified)
Medicaid
WV Bureau for Medical Services administers the West Virginia Medicaid program. Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that provides coverage and care for people who meet eligibility requirements. Eligibility qualifications include low income, citizenship, current social security care, physical or mental disability, or pregnancy.
Health PAS-Online is the West Virginia online portal for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. You’ll find helpful links and documents. West Virginia PATH provides programs for individuals and families with low income and limited resources.
Medicare
Medicare is a federally funded program that offers coverage for hospitals and outpatient care, including doctor and therapist visits. These benefits are paid through original Medicare Parts A and B. You may also purchase a premium based policy from an insurance provider that manages Parts A and B and typically offers more benefits.
Nearly 25% of people in WV are enrolled in Medicare as compared to 19% of the U.S. population. The WV SHIP program provides Medicare beneficiaries and their families with free and confidential help about their Medicare benefits and help with paying Medicare costs.
Military Insurance
Military insurance -TRICARE – is healthcare coverage for active duty and retired service members of the U.S. military and their families. TRICARE provides members comprehensive coverage for medical, dental, vision, and mental health services. The insurance ensures that military personnel and their dependents have access to high quality healthcare in the U.S. and internationally.
Many veterans struggle with substance use, including alcohol, prescription drugs, tobacco, and street drugs. The VA health care program provides several options, including inpatient and outpatient care using evidence based medical detox, drug substitution therapy, and individual and group counseling.
Tribal Funding and Programs
West Virginia House Bill 2974 was introduced in 2023 to amend the Code of West Virginia established in 1931. The Bill recognized Native American Tribes to protect and preserve their cultural heritage. The Rural Community Development Initiative Grants in West Virginia awards grant money to federally recognized tribes to support nonprofit housing and community development organizations.
The Appalachian Regional Commission uses federal funds to invest in community development through grants that align with a strategic plan that reflects West Virginia’s state plans and strategies. The Bureau of Indian Affairs Financial Assistance and Social Services program provides financial assistance for individuals who are members of federally recognized American Indian and Alaskan Native Tribes.
Other Low Cost Options
Many addiction treatment centers offer payment options that help you pay for treatment or financial counselors who help you find aid in the community. The financial options vary between treatment centers and local communities.
The quickest way to pay for alcohol rehab and substance abuse treatment is a personal loan you may get from the bank, friends, or family. While a bank loan is confidential, a personal loan from friends or family may have a lower or no interest level and repayment terms are more flexible.
A financial counselor may also offer payment plans directly to the treatment center interest free or sliding scale fees that meet your ability to pay. Each of these options may require proof of income and savings. You may have access to grants and scholarships from nonprofit organizations in the community or national organizations. Employer assistance programs typically offer tools and resources for addiction treatment. Finally, faith based organizations are often nonprofit centers that offer free treatment for those who cannot pay.
Resources
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Behavioral Health Barometer, West Virginia, Volume 6.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021, December 1). Mental Health and Substance Use Insurance Help.
- Chanell Baylor. SAMHSA (2021). Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021, June 8). Methadone.
