Whether it is evident or not, seniors and older adults encompass a considerable 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 rehabilitation facilities which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of rehabilitation for addiction problems. Seniors and older adults are faced with many physical challenges as a result of their age, which can have an impact on treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to seek rehabilitation before any long term consequences come about.

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

Some people are covered through state financed insurance because they fail to meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid. Some states however offer state financed health insurance to those who cannot afford private health insurance plans. State financed health insurance programs will sometimes cover the costs associated with substance abuse treatment at a wide variety of drug and alcohol treatment facilities around the country. State financed insurance other than Medicaid may cover both outpatient or inpatient drug treatment providers. To find out which treatment facilities will accept state financed insurance, consult a substance abuse treatment advisor.

Paying for drug rehab can be a challenge, as all resources have been exhausted due to the persons drug habit. Many drug treatment facilities fully grasp this reality which is why many drug rehabilitation programs across the nation offer payment arrangements known as a sliding scale fee. There are several variables put into the equation of determining what the fee will be from person to person, and these factors are based on individual circumstances such as income, cash on hand, living circumstances, the size of one's family etc. Sliding scale fees have been in use for some time as most drug rehab programs would prefer to find a way to make it work financially so that those suffering with addiction can acquire the help they need.