Addiction treatment programs in Tampa, FL are a vital resource for people with substance issues. However, to gain the benefits of treatment, you must find some way to pay for rehab. If you lack financial resources, this can be a significant challenge. Still, you actually do have some options. For example, you may be able to use Medicaid coverage to pay for your rehab program. Not everyone qualifies for this option. But if you do, it will help you cover your costs and get the treatment you need.
The Basics of Medicaid
Medicaid is different from Medicare, another program with a similar name. Medicare is run entirely by the federal government. It provides health coverage for two groups: people over the age of 64 and people of any age with disabilities. You can qualify for Medicare regardless of your income.
In contrast, Medicaid is a joint federal/state program. The broad operating principles of the program are set at the federal level. Each state then uses those principles to establish its own system. Costs are shared by the state and federal governments. Medicaid provides health coverage for people classified as either low-income or very low-income.
Medicaid coverage works basically the same way as other forms of health insurance. For example, in Florida, private providers make arrangements with the state to offer their services to Medicaid recipients. A variety of health care plans are available under these arrangements. If you qualify for Medicaid, you simply pick the plan that best suits your needs and situation.
Does Medicaid Pay for Rehab?
If you have drug or alcohol problems, does Medicaid pay for rehab? Generally speaking, yes. Federal guidelines state that substance treatment is an essential healthcare resource. To meet those guidelines, Florida and other states must include rehab coverage in their Medicaid programs.
However, in any given state, you don’t qualify for Medicaid automatically. Each state sets its own criteria for entry. In Florida, you must prove that you are low-income or very low-income. To do this, you must have a household income that falls below a certain level. In addition, you must:
- Be a resident of the state
- Have U.S. citizenship or status as a national, permanent resident, or legal alien
- Lack the ability to pay for rehab in other ways
Several specific groups in Florida are designated as eligible for coverage if they meet all other requirements. These groups are:
- Anyone with a disability
- Residents of households that include someone with a disability
- Women who are pregnant
- People who are legally blind
- Those aged 65 or older
In addition, you are eligible if you take care of a child aged 17 or younger.
Who Accepts Medicaid for Rehab?
States cannot force rehabs to accept Medicaid as a form of payment. Instead, as with other forms of insurance, each facility may choose to accept or not accept it. When searching for a provider, ask in advance if a given facility will let you use Medicaid for rehab.
Learn More About Using Medicaid for Rehab at Coalition Recovery
Does Medicaid pay for rehab? As long as you meet your state’s criteria for the program, the answer to this question is yes. Medicaid is designed for people who fall on the lower end of the income spectrum. Other eligibility rules also apply.
Want to use Medicaid to pay for your drug or alcohol treatment? Talk to the professionals at Coalition Recovery. We can give you advice on how to navigate Florida’s Medicaid system. We can also show you how to use your coverage to pay for our high-quality rehab services. Call us today at 888.707.2873 for more information or fill out our online form.
