How Do I Pay My Bills While in Rehab?

Financial concerns are often a barrier to treatment for many people. Since rehab programs usually last from a few weeks to 90 days, clients will need to take some time off from work. As a result, they may worry about how to pay bills while in rehab.

Harmony Place of Los Angeles, California, understands that financial concerns could prevent people from getting treatment. We’re here to help our clients navigate their finances to get the treatment they deserve.

Keeping Your Job During Rehab

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a medical condition. Thus, people with this disorder are granted similar protections as those with other medical conditions. So, if a client in recovery has a job before going to rehab, they should have that job to return to. 

Of course, there are exceptions. For example, a person going to work under the influence, frequently absent or late due to late nights or hangovers, using or drinking on the job, or putting others at risk could be terminated. Other exceptions could include any situation where a client’s performance declines due to substance misuse.

However, if a client goes into treatment before major problems occur, they are protected by the following laws:

• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  • • Eligible employees are entitled to 12 weeks of leave to treat or recover from a serious health condition
    • FMLA also allows leave for the caretaker of a child, spouse, or parent with a serious health condition
• Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • • Protects those with disabilities and health issues like substance use disorders
    • Considers people protected when they are in rehab or have been through rehab
    • Those using illegal drugs currently, especially on the job, are not protected
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
  • • HIPAA ensures that a person’s health records remain private
    • Clients must permit their medical records to be viewed by others
    • This protects people from discrimination by their employer 

These laws can protect employees worried about losing their job if they attend rehab. That way, a person might still be eligible for leave or vacation time to go to rehab. These laws will also help ensure that a person has a job to return to in most circumstances.

Use Saved Money

Savings can help to pay bills while in rehab. This money can help with expected monthly payments to hold a person over during their stay at a facility. While this might not be the preferred way to pay bills, consider the costs of not keeping up with payments. Oftentimes, penalties for missed or late payments can add up. Replenishing a savings account is less costly than incurring penalties or adding more debt.

Create Budgeting and Financial Plans

One critical aspect of being able to pay bills while in rehab involves ensuring that a person doesn’t get into excessive debt afterward. Some bills could fall to the wayside, causing an unpleasant financial surprise when returning home. Therefore, it is important to create a budget and financial plan.

Automatic payments are helpful to keep up-to-date on expected payments. Minimum credit card payments, auto loans, rent, and other bills are the same each month, for instance. Clients can set up automatic payments and create a budget based on these expected payments.

Apply for Scholarships in Rehab

Some rehab programs offer scholarships to help clients curb the costs. That way, a person can manage the costs of treatment and not incur debt from rehab. This will help clients save money that can go to bill payments while in rehab. It is best to ask about any scholarships or financial aid before attending a treatment program.

Some clients could qualify for assistance from the facility. Or, the facility itself could have scholarships available for certain groups, like veterans or single parents, for example. Many states offer grants for substance use treatment programs to help those who might struggle financially.

Loans to Pay Bills While in Rehab

Personal loans, whether from a bank, family, or friends, could help to pay bills while in rehab. Interest rates on loans tend to be less than on credit cards. While many people might be reluctant to garner debt following rehab, consider the long-term costs of addiction. Legal consequences, such as a DUI or possession charge, are often far more costly than loan payments or other debts.

Insurance Coverage

Most insurance plans cover substance use and mental health treatment as an essential health benefit. This could include full or partial payments for long-term rehab considered medically necessary. That way, clients won’t be burdened with another bill after leaving rehab. 

Our admissions staff can help potential clients verify their insurance coverage before attending rehab.

Get Help for Addiction Today

Navigating through addiction and co-existing mental health disorders is a daunting task. Long-term treatment often becomes a necessity for many, yet financial concerns are a common hurdle that can deter individuals from seeking help. Despite these apprehensions, we firmly believe that investing in rehabilitation is a crucial step towards reclaiming a quality life free from substance misuse. Harmony Place, nestled in Los Angeles, California, is committed to offering top-tier treatment for you or your loved one on the path to recovery.

In our ongoing efforts to make our services as accessible as possible, Harmony Place accepts health insurance from a broad spectrum of providers. These include Anthem, Aetna, Cigna, Blue Shield of CA, Carelon, and Humana. By partnering with these insurance providers, we aim to alleviate the financial stress often associated with treatment, enabling you to focus entirely on your journey towards recovery.

If you are considering treatment, but concerned about how to pay bills while in rehab, contact us today. We’re here to help you get the treatment that you need to live the life you’ve always wanted.