Expert Insights
As a psychologist in a Wyoming medical center, I feel personally invested in the lives of patients battling addictions to a destructive drug–fentanyl.
Few of us knew about it ten years ago. But it’s since become an epidemic. Our rural landscapes are vast and beautiful. But they often make residents feel isolated due to the lack of nearby recovery facilities.
Deaths due to fentanyl abuse have multiplied in the Cowboy State from 9 in 2017 to 52 in 2023. The Wyoming Department of Health has reported that 95% of fentanyl deaths came from unintentional overdoses. Most of these tragedies involved young residents between 20 and 39 years old.
It’s a somber reminder of the lost potential our state will endure for decades. It’s time to meet people where they are and help them access judgment-free recovery alternatives. Wyoming’s future depends on it.
~ Sergio Valencia, MD, MS
Addiction News in Wyoming
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost in Wyoming?
Wyoming is ranked 50th nationwide in terms of addiction treatment affordability, with an average cost of drug and alcohol rehab of $65,975 (without insurance).
- Medical detox is the most expensive, with an average cost of $162,652
- Long-term inpatient drug rehab in Wyoming costs an average of $58,219
- Outpatient addiction treatment in Wyoming costs an average of $9,674
- Outpatient methadone treatment is the most affordable, with an average cost of $8,595
The exact cost of treatment at Wyoming drug rehabs and alcohol rehabs varies from facility to facility. Most of the state’s addiction rehab centers accept some form of health insurance, and many offer reduced-cost or free treatment services based on patients’ income and other situational factors.
Paying for Addiction Treatment in Wyoming
Several of Wyoming’s alcohol and drug rehab facilities accept various forms of payment. Of the state’s 60 addiction treatment centers:
59 accept cash or self-payment
34 accept state-financed health insurance other than Medicaid
56 accept Wyoming Medicaid (EqualityCare)
41 accept Medicare
59 accept private health insurance
51 accept federal military insurance
28 accept tribal/urban funds
45 operate on a sliding fee scale for persons lacking health insurance and/or sufficient income to pay for rehab in full
There are 45 low cost or free addiction treatment centers in Wyoming. Their services include inpatient and outpatient treatment options, including intensive outpatient treatment, relapse prevention, and aftercare programs.
Some of these treatment options also include medication assisted treatment where clients receive medications such as naltrexone, methadone and buprenorphine to ease withdrawal symptoms and decrease cravings.
Private Pay and Insurance
According to the Affordable Care Act, signed into law in 2010, substance use disorders must be a covered benefit at the same parity of medical and surgical coverage for most insurance providers.
There are many major commercial health insurance carriers in the state of Wyoming. Additionally, in 2024, two insurers offered exchange plans on the Marketplace. Commercial providers include:
United Healthcare of Wyoming
United healthcare of Wyoming offers commercial insurance, policies through the Insurance Marketplace and has Medicaid and Medicare plans. UHC offers individuals interested in substance use disorder treatment a 24-hour substance use hotline.
Here, members can speak with specialized recovery specialists that will provide confidential guidance on treatment options, assistance in finding participating providers and facilities, and answer any questions they may have regarding the process.
For those with United Health Care, coverage differs from plan to plan. The company suggests you check your benefits summary to determine out-of-pocket expenses and what services are covered for Alcohol and Substance Abuse.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming
BCBS of Wyoming covers alcohol and substance abuse treatment. Treatment options include inpatient and outpatient treatment, detox services, individual and group counseling, intensive outpatient programs, transitional care planning and medication assisted treatment.
Some treatment options require prior authorization and are covered services based on severity of medical need. Individuals should check with their insurance provider to determine if prior authorization is required and to determine out-of-pocket costs under their benefit plan. The prior authorization process can take up to 14 days to be completed.
Mountain Health Co-Op
Alcohol and substance use disorder treatment are covered services by Mountain Health Co-Op, under the individual and employer plans. Medicare coverage should be confirmed before seeking services. The amount of coverage and maximum out-of-pocket expenses vary from plan to plan. Individuals should check their summary of benefits, also in-network providers and facilities are recommended to get the best coverage.
Cigna
Drug and alcohol addiction recovery programs are a covered benefit with Cigna. These services may include inpatient and outpatient treatment options, counseling and case management. The covered services are based on the individual’s benefit plan and may need prior authorization. Individuals should check their benefits plan or call the insurance company to determine coverage and what the out-of-pocket cost will be.
Medicare
Wyoming provides health insurance coverage for residents who meet certain criteria such as income level, state residency, be a U.S. citizen or national, some adults with children under the age of 19, pregnant women, some individuals with disabilities, women under the age of 65 and in need of breast or cervical cancer treatment. These Medicaid plans cover inpatient and outpatient substance use disorder treatment services at facilities that accept this type of insurance. Prior authorization is often required for services. Participants should contact their insurance provider to determine what are covered benefits, what out-of-pocket costs they may incur and to help them locate providers that participate in the Equity Care program.
Medicaid
Medicare provides insurance coverage for individuals over the age of 65 and in some cases individuals with disabilities and certain disorders. Medicare Part A pays for inpatient substance abuse treatment. Clients are required to pay the same co-pays they would be charged for any other type of inpatient hospitalization. For those with Medicare Part B, outpatient substance abuse treatment services from a clinic or hospital outpatient department are covered. Medicare Advantage plans can help pay for services such as prescription drug coverage that is not covered as a part of Part A or Part B. Services must be received at a Medicare participating facility or practice.
Military
TRICARE and VA benefits are accepted at participating providers throughout the state of Wyoming. For those with substance use disorders, the Veterans Administration offers inpatient and outpatient services at their clinics and hospitals at no cost.
Tribal Funding/Programs
All individuals of Native American or Alaska Native descent are eligible for health care and Medicaid through the Indian Health Service (IHS). Addiction recovery programs are covered services.
Wyoming is home to the Wind River Reservation. It is the 7th largest Native American reservation in the United States and located in the west-central part of the state.
Other Low Cost Options
For those individuals without commercial insurance, government sponsored insurance, or insurance through military service, some providers will accept sliding scale payment options, no fee for service, or financial aid. Clients will need to speak with service providers to find out what options are available to them.
Some facilities with these payment options include but are not limited to: Oxbow Center, High Country Behavioral Health and Southwest Counseling Service.
Oxbow Center
Oxbow Center has five locations throughout the state of Wyoming offering alcohol and substance use disorder treatment as well as mental health services. They offer outpatient individual counseling and intensive outpatient treatment options.
No individual will be turned away due to inability to pay. They offer sliding scale payment options ranging from $1.00- $125 per hour for counseling services. Proof of income is required to qualify for this program.
High Country Behavioral Health
High Country Behavioral Health located throughout Wyoming offers a wide range of mental health services including alcohol and substance use disorder treatment.
Some services include outpatient individual, group and family counseling. Case management and community based rehabilitation services and also have two locations ( Rawlins and Douglas) that offer inpatient treatment options.
No one will be turned away for an inability to pay. They accept a wide range of commercial insurance, Medicaid and Medicare and also have a sliding scale fee for service option. Verification of income and family size is required for this option.
Southwest Counseling Service
Southwest Counseling Service is located in Rock Springs, Wyoming. They offer inpatient and outpatient alcohol and substance use disorder and dual diagnosis treatment for adolescents and adults.
Southwest was the first in Wyoming to offer inpatient treatment for pregnant women and mothers. Their program allows for mothers to keep their children with them during treatment, fostering parenting and life skills. They accept a wide range of commercial insurance and also a sliding scale fee payment option. In order to participate in the sliding scale fee service, verification of income and family size is required.
Resources
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021, December 13). National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2019-2020.
- Patton, D. & McDowell, T. Substance Abuse Aftercare Treatment. Arizona State University, Center for Applied Behavioral Health Policy.
- Home Page – Wyoming Department of Health. (2024, April 2). Wyoming Department of Health. https://health.wyo.gov/
- Mental Health Treatment, Counseling & Therapy. (2024, May 21). High Country Behavioral Health. https://www.hcbh.org/
