Expert Insights
Milwaukee County will receive $71 million from the state opioid settlement. There are many projects on the table to spend these funds. Programs include those for the elderly, the homeless, and individuals with an opioid use disorder. But what about youth? The only program listed among the proposed projects is designed for youth already in detention. The goal is to provide opiate abuse services for youth returning to the community after detention. While this is a good aim, are we beefing up efforts to prevent kids from taking drugs before they end up in detention? Milwaukee kids are at risk of substance abuse: the percentage of Wisconsin teens who drink exceeds the national average. These youth need programs that turn them away from substance abuse at a young age.
~ Kerry Nenn
How Expensive is Drug Rehab in Milwaukee?
The cost of drug and alcohol rehab in Milwaukee varies widely. Several factors play a role in the price, including:
- Setting: inpatient vs. outpatient
- Features and amenities: luxury vs. standard
- Duration of program: 30 vs. 60 vs. 90 days
- Health insurance coverage
- How the facility is funded (e.g., government funding to subsidize the cost)
- Location: city vs. rural
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is ranked 19th nationwide in terms of addiction treatment affordability, with an average cost of drug and alcohol rehab of $56,625 (without insurance).
- Medical detox is the most expensive, with an average cost of $139,601
- Long-term inpatient drug rehab in Wisconsin costs an average of $49,968
- Outpatient addiction treatment in Wisconsin costs an average of $8,303
- Outpatient methadone treatment is the most affordable, with an average cost of $7,377
Are There Low-Cost and Free Drug Rehab Centers in Milwaukee?
Free rehabs and detox centers in Milwaukee are state-funded, meaning they provide free or low-cost addiction treatments for those who cannot otherwise afford them. They receive grants from the federal government, which helps them provide substance use disorder care at a low cost or for free.
As of 2024, there were over 330 drug rehab facilities across the state of Wisconsin, many in and around Milwaukee. Of those treatment facilities, the following numbers reflect how many centers offer free or low-cost payment methods:
282 accept self-payment or cash
123 offer sliding-scale fees for those without insurance
255 accept Medicaid insurance coverage
172 accept state funded insurance coverage
276 accept private health insurance
91 offer free or low-cost treatment
3 offer free treatment for all clients
53 accept tribal funding
Resources
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services. (2022). Substance use: drug overdose deaths dashboard.
- Healthinsurance.org. (2022). See your Wisconsin health insurance coverage options now.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). MAT Medications, Counseling, and Related Conditions.
- Wisconsin Department of Health. (January 2021). Wisconsin expands Medicaid coverage of residential substance use disorder treatments for members.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (January 2020). Substance abuse in women.
