Using Scholarships And Grants To Pay For Addiction Treatment

Paying for addiction treatment out of pocket isn’t realistic for everyone, but that doesn’t mean recovery is out of reach. Federally funded grants and sponsored scholarships exist to help people who face financial barriers to getting help.

These funding options work differently than insurance asthey don’t require premiums or copays, and many are available to people who don’t qualify for Medicaid or other government programs.

What Types Of Grants Are Available To Cover A Drug Rehab Program?

Grants for addiction treatment programs in the United States are provided by federal and state government funding. Grants are issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in one of two ways:

states apply for grants and are awarded funding upon approval for the grant
organizations (i.e. health clinics and other treatment centers) apply for grants and are awarded funds once approved for the grant

State Block Grants

Certain grants are offered to states which apply for funding in order to offer recovery services to their residents free of charge or at a reduced rate.

One such grant is the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG).

The SABG provides funding for prevention and treatment of substance use disorders to:

• all 50 states
• the District of Columbia
• Puerto Rico
• the U.S. Virgin Islands
• one tribal entity
• six Pacific jurisdictions

Each state, province, or entity awarded the grant is responsible for distributing grant funds to local communities and ensuring grant requirements are followed.

Some treatment facilities that can receive SABG funding from their state:

• municipal and county centers
• non-profit organizations
• faith-based/religious organizations
• other community centers dedicated to treating/preventing substance abuse

Treatment Center Grants

Addiction treatment centers that receive funding from state and federal grants can use the money to offer free or partially free services to individuals in need. A grant that is commonly awarded to rehabilitation facilities is the Access to Recovery (ATR) voucher.

This voucher program helps provide those seeking substance abuse treatment with choices. People seeking recovery who qualify can choose from among different treatment centers that have received ATR vouchers in order to get the care that suits their needs best.

Scholarships To Cover The Cost Of A Rehab Program

Scholarships also help cover the cost of rehab for qualifying individuals, but they are funded by private donors and sponsors, rather than the federal government.

The two main sources of scholarships for substance abuse treatment programs include those issued by rehab facilities and those issued by non-profit organizations.

Private Rehab Facility Scholarships

When rehab facilities provide scholarships, the funds are usually provided to cover one of their programs. They may have eligibility requirements, such as proof of financial need. The amount depends on the treatment center and their available funds.

Some treatment centers set aside funds to create yearly scholarships which they award to a certain number of eligible program participants. Others accept donations on a regular basis to fund rehab scholarships. In any case, to receive the scholarship, you must be accepted into their rehab center program.

Non-Profit Organization Scholarships

Non-profit and not-for-profit organizations, including religious rehab centers, often sponsor those who enter their rehab facilities, providing full scholarships. Due to the nature of these organizations, providing free or affordable treatment and other services is typically their focus.

Because of this, they may charge nothing of any individual who enters their program, or only low, one-time boarding fees. In these facilities, treatment is generally made possible thanks to in-kind donations, generous individual and professional sponsors, and fundraising efforts.

How To Apply For An Addiction Treatment Scholarship Or Grant

The process for applying for a scholarship or grant will differ depending on what type of scholarship you are applying for — grants are only awarded to states or treatment centers.

To apply for a rehab scholarship:

• Find a rehab facility that offers treatment scholarships.
• Determine whether there are eligibility requirements.
• Ensure you meet requirements, and find out how to apply.
• Ask about any other expenses you may have to cover out of pocket.

To apply for a grant-funded rehab center:

• Find a state-funded or free rehab center.
• Determine the eligibility requirements.
• Ensure you meet requirements, and find out how to apply.
• Apply to as many facilities as possible to improve your chances of securing a spot.

What If You Don’t Qualify For A Scholarship Or Grant?

Not qualifying for a scholarship or grant doesn’t mean treatment is out of reach. There are several other ways to cover the cost of rehab that are worth exploring before ruling anything out.

Additional options include:

• Health Insurance: Medicaid, Medicare, Tricare, and private insurance plans are all required to cover behavioral health services to some degree. If you have any form of insurance, verifying your substance use disorder benefits is always the first place to start.
• Sliding Scale Payment Plans: Many treatment centers offer income-based payment arrangements that adjust what you owe based on what you can actually afford. Some facilities set fees as low as a few dollars per session for people at or below the poverty line.
• Medical Loans: A number of lenders specialize in financing for healthcare expenses including addiction treatment. Terms and eligibility vary, so it’s worth comparing options before committing to one.
• Crowdfunding: Platforms like GoFundMe have been used successfully by many people to fund medical treatment. The people in your life may be more willing to help than you expect.
• Personal Savings: Recovery is one of the most important investments you can make in your own future. If savings are available, using them for treatment is a legitimate and worthwhile option.

If cost is still a barrier after exploring these options, calling 211 or contacting SAMHSA directly can connect you to local resources you may not have found on your own.

Drug Rehab Scholarship And Grant FAQs

Learn answers to common questions regarding scholarships and grants for rehab.

❓ Will My Scholarship Or Grant Cover The Entire Cost Of Rehab?

✔️ Whether a scholarship will cover the full cost of a drug rehab program depends on the facility that issues the scholarship as well as your eligibility.

For example, if scholarships are awarded based on income, you may only qualify for partial coverage of costs, depending on your earnings.

Rehab centers with grant funding may offer full or partial coverage based on grant requirements. In short, you will have to apply to and speak with the treatment center to find out what they cover and what you may have to cover out of pocket.

❓ How Can I Pay For Costs Not Covered By A Scholarship Or Grant?

✔️ You have several options for paying for expenses not covered by a rehab scholarship or grant. You can use your health insurance, dip into your savings, or ask for help from family and friends.

In addition, some rehab facilities may waive certain fees or part of your expenses, if you can provide coverage (such as health insurance) for the majority of fees, or offer affordable payment plans.

❓ Do Rehab Centers Funded By Scholarships And Grants Offer The Same Care As Other Rehab Centers?

✔️ Each treatment center provides its own levels of care, but you can typically find the same levels of care at rehab facilities that offer financial assistance as those that do not offer assistance.

These treatment centers may offer residential or inpatient treatment, outpatient programs, outpatient services, detoxification programs, and more.

Written by the Affordable Rehabs Editorial Staff