Recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction usually requires professional rehabilitation. While it’s a great first step to admit your problem and enter a drug rehab program, most people can’t just up and leave right away. They must prepare by arranging for childcare, taking a leave of absence from work, and setting up automatic bill pay. 

Because finances are an important part of seeking treatment, this post covers the most practical ways to pay your bills while you’re away. 

Set Up Automatic Payments or Pay in Advance 

As long as you have the money to pay your bills, it’s just a matter of arranging them to be paid on time. The easiest option is to set up automatic payments. This article covers how to do this, but typically, you can go directly through the vendor or your bank. You can also make your payments in advance so that everything is squared away while you’re gone.

Another option is to leave a trusted friend or family in charge of your finances. You can leave them with enough money to cover the bills while you’re gone. Even if you aren’t on good terms with a family member, the important thing is that you can trust them to pay your bills on time. 

Consolidate Outstanding Debt 

If you have outstanding debts, get these settled before you leave for rehab. One option is to contact your bank or credit card company and request leniency for extenuating circumstances. They may be willing to work with you, especially if you have a good payment history. You may also want to consider consolidating your debt so that you have one low easy payment each month. 

Take Out a Personal Loan 

A personal loan can help you cover your bills and treatment costs. Banks, credit unions, and other lenders are all potential sources. Do your research and find a lender that offers low-interest rates and monthly payments you can afford. You can also use a credit card to cover your expenses, but these typically have higher interest rates. As long as you have a job waiting for you after treatment, you can use this income to pay down your debts. 

Manage Your Income While in Drug Rehab

As long as you have the funds, it’s not difficult to get your bills paid on time. But more often than not, people entering drug rehab in Agoura are not in a strong financial position. Your addiction may have taken a toll on your finances, plus you have to cover the cost of treatment. So where will the money come from to pay your bills? 

The first thing is to make sure you still have an income. Keep in mind that your job is protected under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Under this act, employers cannot terminate or discriminate against people in treatment. That said, this does not protect you if you come to work under the influence. As long as you talk to your employer in advance and get the help you need, your job is protected. 

Here are some options to look into: 

• Vacation time. Using accrued vacation time toward rehab allows you to take time off work without losing or reducing your income. You may not want to use your vacation time for this, but your recovery is a priority right now. 
• FMLA. FMLA grants you 12 weeks of unpaid medical leave without the risk of losing your job. Even though FMLA is unpaid, you can use your vacation time, sick time and personal time to get paid. 
• Short-term disability. You may qualify for financial assistance to help with your living expenses while you’re in treatment. Not all short-term disability plans cover addiction treatment, but it’s worth asking your employer because this could cover 40-60 percent of your living expenses.

Paying for Drug Rehab in Agoura

Do you need help paying for rehab? There are a few options to help with these costs. 

Health insurance 

The first place to start is with your insurance company. You can contact them directly or speak with your HR department about your benefits. Most types of insurance are required by law to provide some type of coverage for substance abuse treatment.

Your specific plan will determine how much is covered and what treatment centers are in-network. Even if your insurance offers coverage for treatment, expect to pay something out of pocket in the form of deductibles and copays. On average, insurance pays 30-90 percent of treatment costs.

SAMHSA

If you don’t have insurance or income, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a directory of substance abuse services. Many of these services offer financial assistance and grants to those who meet certain requirements. 

Employee Assistance Program

If you are employed, your employer may offer an EAP. These programs provide services for work and personal problems, including substance abuse, stress management, child care referrals and mental health. 

Consider an Outpatient Drug Rehab Program 

Each treatment center has a different pay structure, but generally speaking, outpatient programs are less expensive than inpatient programs. In outpatient drug rehab in Agoura, you do not live at the facility so you save on room and board. Outpatient treatment is also flexible, allowing you to maintain contact with your work.

At Awakenings Treatment Center, many of our clients eventually end up returning to work. In the meantime, we recommend giving your full attention to your treatment program, as distractions can get in the way. Once you are stronger and have a lower risk of relapse, you can begin transitioning to your everyday routine while attending counseling and support groups. 

Contact Our Admissions Department 

Awakenings Treatment Center is an affordable, accommodating outpatient treatment center in Agoura Hills, CA. Contact our admissions department today to verify your insurance and learn more about our treatment options. We accept many insurance carriers and offer financing through MyTreatmentLender.com. Contact us today to see how affordable and attainable drug rehab in Agoura can be!