How Much Does Rehab Cost?
Cost is the #1 barrier to addiction treatment — but it doesn't have to be. This guide breaks down the real costs of rehab, what insurance typically covers, and how to access free or low-cost treatment.
Average Rehab Costs by Program Type
| Program Type | Duration | Cost Without Insurance | Cost With Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Detox | 3–7 days | $1,000–$5,000 | $0–$500 copay |
| Inpatient Rehab (30 days) | 28–30 days | $6,000–$30,000 | $500–$5,000 |
| Inpatient Rehab (60–90 days) | 60–90 days | $12,000–$60,000 | $1,000–$10,000 |
| Outpatient Program (OP) | 3–6 months | $1,000–$10,000 | $0–$2,000 |
| Intensive Outpatient (IOP) | 2–3 months | $3,000–$15,000 | $500–$3,000 |
| Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) | Ongoing | $5,000–$15,000/year | $0–$200/month |
| Luxury/Executive Rehab | 30–90 days | $30,000–$120,000+ | Rarely covered |
Costs vary significantly by location, facility, amenities, and length of stay. These are national averages for 2025–2026.
Does Insurance Cover Rehab?
Yes. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, most health insurance plans are required to cover substance use disorder treatment at the same level as other medical conditions.
This includes:
- Employer-provided insurance — nearly all plans cover inpatient and outpatient treatment
- Marketplace (ACA) plans — required to include substance abuse as an essential health benefit
- Medicaid — covers detox, inpatient, outpatient, and MAT in all 50 states
- Medicare — covers inpatient and outpatient treatment, prescription medications, and counseling
- TRICARE (Military) — covers substance abuse treatment for active duty, veterans, and dependents
Free & Low-Cost Treatment Options
If you don't have insurance or can't afford treatment, these options are available:
Is Rehab Worth the Cost?
The economic cost of not treating addiction far exceeds the cost of treatment:
- Untreated addiction costs the U.S. $600+ billion/year in healthcare, crime, and lost productivity (NIDA)
- Every $1 invested in treatment saves $4–$7 in reduced drug-related costs and criminal justice savings
- Treatment significantly reduces emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and criminal justice involvement
- People in recovery contribute an estimated $100 billion annually to the U.S. economy
Treatment works. According to SAMHSA, over 20 million Americans are living in recovery from substance use disorders.
Need Help Paying for Treatment?
SAMHSA's helpline can connect you with free and low-cost treatment options in your area — no insurance needed.
Free, confidential, 24/7
Sources & References
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide. nida.nih.gov
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS). samhsa.gov
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. cms.gov
- HealthCare.gov. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coverage. healthcare.gov
- SAMHSA. National Helpline. 1-800-662-4357. samhsa.gov