Drug addiction and alcoholism can effect many older Americans and seniors, and this problem is projected to only worsen in the coming years. Seniors who are covered by Medicare, an insurance program funded through the federal government for Americans in this age bracket, can use their Medicare benefits to receive vital treatment services for drug or alcohol addiction at a wide variety of substance abuse treatment programs around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities, and seniors who wish to receive treatment can consult with their primary care physician to choose a treatment program covered by Medicare which would fit his or her particular needs.