Whether it is apparent 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 rehab facilities which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of treatment for addiction issues. 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 locate treatment before any long term consequences occur.

Self payment substance abuse treatment facilities are a great alternative to other types of treatment centers i.e. private medical insurance and state funded programs. People who are able to attend self payment programs pay for their entire treatment 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 rehab program. In order to learn more about self payment programs, make contact with a drug rehabilitation program and inquire as to their payment options. It is a good idea to contact a number of facilities 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 is dependent on income and other factors such as whether or not the individual has dependents and if they receive any other financial assistance. Medicaid may possibly even cover the costs associated with drug or alcohol rehabilitation, and there are a lot of drug and alcohol rehab centers throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Many drug treatment programs which are covered through Medicaid may only provide a limited treatment curriculum and may only deliver such treatment on a short term basis, typically 30 days or less. Individuals who have Medicaid should explore which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to acquire the full rewards of such a program.

Drug addiction and alcoholism affects many older Americans and seniors, and this problem is projected to only worsen in the coming years. Seniors who are covered by Medicare, an insurance program funded through the federal government for Americans in this age bracket, can use their benefits to receive treatment services for substance abuse at a variety of drug and alcohol rehab programs around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient rehab programs, and seniors who wish to receive treatment can consult with their primary care physician to choose a rehab program covered by Medicare which would fit his or her particular needs.

When a person is abusing drugs or alcohol and is looking for help, many effective substance abuse rehab facilities accept private health insurance. Whereas some outpatient and short term rehab facilities accept private health insurance, far more beneficial drug rehab facilities which require 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 or alcohol treatment program. For more 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.