How much does marijuana rehab cost?

Rehab can cost from about $150 to $700+ per day, depending on setting and services. More on the real costs of rehab here …and how to get creative with your budget!

5
minute read

Here, we summarize how you can get the most bang for your buck when you are considering rehab options. Plus, where to find financial aid to make sure you get the support you need to be well again. Then, we invite your questions about the costs of marijuana rehab at the end.

Is marijuana rehab expensive?

Yes, marijuana rehab can be expensive, especially if you enter an inpatient rehab program for 28+ days.

However, marijuana rehab is available to people who are on a budget, also. In fact, state government programs exist so that ALL citizens can access rehab for drug addiction. And treatment centers often have sliding scale fees for people who do not have insurance coverage or cannot afford the total cost out-of-pocket.

Marijuana rehab: How much does it cost?

The costs associated with rehab vary from center to center. Costs can include:

  • counseling services
  • detox
  • educational sessions
  • psychotherapy and behavioral interventions,
  • medication (antidepressants or anti-anxiety, if prescribed)
  • support services

If you attend an inpatient rehab center, housing and food will also be included. However, there is much variation in program cost. The average costs (which include both government funded programs and high-end, luxury treatment centers) follow:

An intensive outpatient program costs, on average, about $135 per day, or about $675 per 5-day week. Intensive outpatient programs usually cost from $3-5K per 12-16 week sessions.

On average, inpatient rehab will cost about $20K per 28 days of residence. Residential marijuana rehab programs can cost a whopping $700 per day, or about $3,500 per person per week due to increased costs related to housing and food.

Is marijuana rehab tax deductible?

Yes. Marijuana rehab can be tax deductible. Depending on the type of rehab you access, you may be able to deduct expenses you paid in a financial year for medical care for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents.

Here is a basic guide:

Medical care expenses include direct payments for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or payments for treatments affecting any structure or function of the body or insurance policy premiums you pay to cover the same. Deductible medical expenses may include fees to doctors, psychiatrists, and psychologists. You can also deduct the cost of pharmaceutical medications and inpatient or outpatient marijuana rehab treatment.

Is marijuana rehab covered by insurance?

Not always.

But having insurance can change the type of treatment you receive.

In fact, people with private insurance are three to six times more likely than those with public insurance to receive specialty addiction treatment. And having health insurance can make a big difference in costs. Health insurance can cover smoking cessation programs, detox and outpatient or inpatient treatment options. As coverage can vary from policy to policy it is best to verify what your policy covers before you book into marijuana rehab.

Additionally, many marijuana rehab facilities have intake counselors who can work with you to verify your insurance benefits. If your insurance company won’t cover rehab, you may be able to qualify for a sliding scale fee based on your income.

Will MediCare pay for marijuana rehab?

Medicare will cover rehab, but it must meet this criterion:

1. A doctor makes an official order which says you need inpatient hospital care to treat addiction.
2. You need the kind of care that can be given only in a hospital.
3. The hospital accepts Medicare.

As many rehab programs typically do not need a doctor’s referral for access and you probably won’t require a hospital stay for marijuana addiction, it is unlikely that you would benefit from Medicare benefits.

Is marijuana rehab free?

Marijuana rehab can be close to free. Marijuana rehab can be the lowest cost rehab treatment in town. Why? Because you don’t need to enter a rehab to receive treatment for marijuana addiction. In fact, you can find marijuana rehab programs online or you can join quit smoking programs through your doctor.

Additionally, Marijuana or Narcotics Anonymous (12 step) and SMART Recovery provide free programs to addicts. Additionally, The Salvation Army helps homeless people with drug problems, unemployed addicts, and other alcoholics and addicts who need help but can’t afford rehab.

If you are able to detox on your own, then very cost effective rehab programs are available. Find out more information about federally funded services near you by contacting your state’s Department of Health or by looking up the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator at SAMHSA [dot] gov.

Sliding scale rehab costs

Drug rehab centers do offer a sliding scale fee for treatments, which are variable costs for treatment based on a person’s ability to afford treatment. This means the costs associated with rehab are assessed against a person’s ability to pay for their treatment. So, if you can’t afford the full costs of a marijuana rehab, some centers will reduce the costs to be more affordable.

In these circumstances a financial assessment is usually undertaken. You may be asked to provide evidence of your financial situation. Before handing over your bank details, research treatment providers and make sure that they offer accredited addiction treatment services and are reputable.

Marijuana rehab financial aid and assistance

So how do you find a marijuana rehab program that meets your needs and your budget? Research! This can be a lengthy process, so we have out together a few helpful suggestions.

1. Government voucher programs

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA) administers a voucher program that helps low-income citizens get access to addiction treatment services. Access to Recovery (ATR) vouchers are available in many states for qualified applicants who need treatment.

After passing an evaluation, the applicant receives vouchers that can be applied to treatment through at least two providers in the community You can find out more about vouchers and your local treatment services through the SAMHSA’s Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator.

2. Search the SAMHSA treatment locator database

This resource has a detailed list of providers and their contact details and can help you to locate facilities offering reduced cost services, select from the “Payment Assistance” options when designing your search. It is always a good idea to phone or visit the centres and ask them a few questions about costs and how you can access financial aid.

3. Speak with treatment centers directly

Many facilities have intake counselors who can work with you to help you find solutions to accessing affordable rehab services. Addiction responds best to immediate treatment, so don’t let cost get in the way of getting better.

Marijuana rehab questions

Still have questions about getting into a low cost marijuana rehab?

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Reference Sources: SAMHSA grants for treatment
SMART Recovery: Addiction treatment for marijuana
Medicare Coverage Details
IRS: Tax topics
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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