Whether it is apparent or not, seniors and older adults encompass a significant percentage of individuals in the United States who struggle with drug and/or alcohol abuse and addiction. As the baby boomer generation ages, this will become an even bigger problem with an even bigger need for drug and alcohol rehab facilities which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of treatment for addiction problems. Seniors and older adults are faced with many physical challenges as a result of their age, which can affect treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to find treatment before any long term consequences arise.

Self payment drug treatment programs are an excellent alternative to other types of rehab centers i.e. private medical insurance and state funded programs. People who are capable of attending self payment programs pay for their entire rehabilitation process out of pocket. Keep in mind though, this does not mean that they will not have access to financial assistance if needed. It just means that self payment is their primary method of covering the cost of their drug or alcohol treatment program. To learn more about self payment at a specific program, contact a drug or alcohol rehab center and inquire as to their payment options. It is a good idea to contact several programs so that you have an understanding of your choices regarding treatment options and payment options.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is accessible to people in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid depends greatly on income and other circumstances such as whether or not the person has dependents and if they receive any other assistance. Medicaid may possibly even cover the costs associated with drug or alcohol rehab, and there are a lot of drug and alcohol rehab facilities throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Most drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities which are covered through Medicaid may only deliver a limited treatment curriculum and may only deliver such treatment on a short term basis, usually 30 days or less. People who have Medicaid should research which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to acquire the full rewards of a Medicaid rehab program.

Drug addiction and alcoholism affects many older Americans and seniors, and this problem continues to grow as each year passes. Seniors who are covered through the Medicare program, an insurance program funded through the federal government for Americans in this age bracket, can use their Medicare benefits to receive treatment services for drug or alcohol addiction at a variety of substance abuse rehabilitation programs around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient rehab programs, and seniors who are in need of help can consult with their primary care physician to choose a rehab program covered by Medicare which would be suitable for them.

If an individual is addicted to drugs or alcohol and is seeking help, many effective drug or alcohol rehab programs accept private health insurance. Whereas some outpatient and short term programs accept private health insurance, far more beneficial substance abuse rehab programs which provide an inpatient or residential stay for at least 90 days are also an available option. These treatment programs which accept private health insurance can vary in terms of treatment curriculum, but those clients who are covered by private health insurance are fortunate enough to have financial assistance when it comes to attending a drug rehabilitation facility. For additional information, consult with a treatment professional at a drug or alcohol rehab program in your area to find out which services your private health insurance will cover.