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