Whether it is evident or not, seniors and older adults comprise a significant percentage of individuals in the United States who struggle with drug and/or alcohol abuse and addiction. As the baby boomer generation ages, this will become an even bigger problem with an even bigger need for drug and alcohol treatment facilities which are prepared to treat seniors and older adults who are in need of treatment for addiction problems. Seniors and older adults are faced with many physical challenges as a result of their age, which can affect treatment outcome if not addressed concurrently. It is beneficial for seniors and older adults to seek rehabilitation before any long term consequences come about.

Self payment substance abuse treatment programs are a great alternative to other types of rehabilitation facilities i.e. private medical insurance and state funded programs. People who are capable of attending self payment programs pay for their entire rehab process out of pocket. Keep in mind though, this does not mean that they will not have access to financial assistance if needed. It just means that self payment is their primary method of covering the cost of their drug or alcohol rehabilitation program. To learn more about self payment at a specific program, contact a drug or alcohol rehabilitation center and inquire as to their payment options. It is beneficial to contact a number of programs so that you have an understanding of your choices with regards to treatment options and payment methods.

Medicaid is a type of health insurance which is accessible to individuals in certain low-income tax brackets. Eligibility for Medicaid is dependent on income and other factors including whether or not the individual has dependents and if they receive any other assistance. Medicaid may possibly even cover the costs associated with drug rehab, and there are a lot of drug rehab facilities throughout the country which are covered through Medicaid. Many drug rehab facilities which are covered through Medicaid may only deliver a limited treatment curriculum and may only supply such treatment on a short term basis, typically 30 days or less. People who have Medicaid should research which programs cover the greatest amount of treatment for the most amount of time to acquire the full benefits of a Medicaid rehab program.

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 through the Medicare program, an insurance plan funded through the federal government for Americans in this age bracket, can use their Medicare benefits to receive treatment services for addiction at a wide variety of drug rehab programs around the country. Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities, and seniors who are in need of treatment can consult with their primary care physician to choose a rehab program covered by Medicare which would fit his or her particular needs.