Medicaid Rehab in Scranton, PA: What Are Your Options?

While Covid-19 receives the most attention, another epidemic is still raging in the United States. Over a 20-year period starting in 1999, nearly 500,000 people died from an overdose involving opioids. Many people are victims of the prescription drugs promised to help them manage pain.

The opioid epidemic is particularly fierce in northeast Pennsylvania. The state leads the nation in drug overdoses for young men aged 19 to 25 years old. Lackawanna County, home to Scranton, has a per capita rate of opioid prescriptions that is higher than both the state and national average.

The good news is that you can find Medicaid rehab in Scranton. Many are deterred by rehab costs but different types of health insurance cover it. Also, read on to learn what Medicaid covers for rehab.

If you have Medicaid and need rehab, where you live can determine where you are covered. Here is a guide on your options for Medicaid rehab in Scranton, PA.

How to Pay for Rehab in Scranton

Scranton rehab centers accept various types of health insurance. This includes both private health insurance and public entitlement programs.

If you have a private plan, first reach out to the rehab center to see if they accept your insurance. Medical billing specialists at the rehab center will help your benefits.

This process is referred to as the verification of benefits. They help calculate out-of-pocket expenses and how much insurance covers.

Medicaid is another option to pay for addiction rehab. Unfortunately, addiction often results in loss of employment and financial struggles. Medicaid is the government’s safety net for people falling in this category.

What Is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a program created by the federal government to provide health care coverage for the country’s most vulnerable. This includes low-income Americans, disabled, and even pregnant women. Congress provides the funding to states, which are responsible for administering the Medicaid program.

You will apply for Medicaid through the state you reside in. Income eligibility for Medicaid starts at 133% or less of the federal poverty level. However, each state is different and this threshold is simply a minimum requirement.

Disabilities are also common eligibility criteria for Medicaid coverage. The best advice is to contact the state agency managing Medicaid and inquire directly about eligibility.

What Does Medicaid Cover? 

To combat the opioid epidemic, the United States Congress passed the SUPPORT Act. This bill from the federal government requires states to provide Medicaid coverage for opioid use disorders (OUDs).

This mandatory coverage includes Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). While receiving MAT at a rehab center, patients may receive certain prescription drugs or other biological products under Medicaid. Also included are counseling services and behavioral therapy deemed necessary by medical staff.

MAT coverage extends beyond what a doctor may prescribe while the person is inpatient. The SUPPORT Act allows for prescription drugs and biological products for outpatient treatment as well.

Get Treatment Today in Scranton

If you are struggling with addiction, now is the time to seek help. Do not let cost get in the way of receiving help. The truth is that there are many programs out there including Medicaid to help you acquire professional assistance.

For those seeking Medicaid rehab in Scranton, contact us today to get started.