Halfway houses are an important bridge in reaching the goal of healthy sober living in the real world. Treatment, the first step towards recovery is typically covered completely or in part by most insurance plans. Intensive medical and psychological treatment involving professionals to care for the addict are acceptable expenses for insurance companies to reimburse. However, who pays for a halfway house? Sober livings and halfway houses are typically a form of treatment and therefore is not normally covered by insurance plans. Investigate your insurance plan thoroughly as insurance companies change their acceptable expenses from time to time. In addition, there may be a service covered in continuing treatment that you need to be aware of.

What Exactly is a Halfway House?

The concept of a halfway house is to offer a supportive and understanding environment for those who are fresh out of treatment but need to make a gradual step up into a sober living environment. Presently, a remote possibility still exists for coverage in some insurance plans if medical necessity can be proven. Treatment centers can help in making decisions concerning this transition out of treatment into a sober living facility and aid in reviewing insurance plans for coverage details.

There may be grants, funds, or assistance through The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration available in certain sober living facilities. You will need to inquire about any special assistance programs that might be available when you search for a sober living facility. It is possible that the sober living facility could offer scholarships and self-pay discounts. With insurance unable to pay for sober living, the family could be of help in assisting the recovering addict with expenses or the addict could look at prior savings to help pay for the program. 

Without Insurance Coverage – Who Pays for A Halfway House?

The reality of the situation is that the purpose of participating in a sober living environment or halfway house is gaining strength and responsibility to perform the essential elements in life needed to survive sober. Learning how to maintain employment, pay bills and make positive strides in using healthy coping mechanisms while being supported by others who are struggling to do the same can prove the cost of sober living to be worthwhile. Sober living facilities and halfway houses typically have case management programs to help addicts form healthy and positive lifestyle structure, which is needed to prevent relapse. In addition, earning how to make good decisions and form healthy social relationships in this environment builds self-confidence. 

Although insurance does not usually pay for sober living facilities or halfway houses; it does continue to pay for outpatient drug rehab, required for the recovering addict as well as medications prescribed. Management in the sober living facility is often aware of educational opportunities as well as employment openings that could be a match for the needs of the residents. Learning to make a budget, getting to work and appointments on time and performing required chores within the household are all tasks designed to move the residents on to independent living in the real world after the sober living facility. Sober living facilities are a source of building personal accountability in recovery.

Factors to Consider When Paying For A Halfway House

Before making your decision to enter a halfway house – ask about the following factors to help determine the costs of your decision:

• The location of the home
• Private rooms or shared rooms
• What is the rent?
• What utilities will you be responsible to pay
• How long is the usual stay?
• What amenities are included?
• Does the home have a licensed therapist on site?
• Full check of insurance coverage to find out what benefits are covered

Halfway Houses Offer a Supportive Personal Environment

It is unfortunate that insurance does not normally pay for sober living facilities but the advantages you will gain in living in a supportive environment is an experience that can help prevent relapse. Participating in twelve-step programs with your housemates and forming positive healthy coping mechanisms in social situations is vital knowledge. Facilities often hold mandatory house meetings to review the household chores and answer residents’ concerns. Helping others who are struggling to maintain a sober lifestyle is helpful to your own recovery. 

If you believe that a sober living facility could be the perfect place for you in your recovery journey, do not let the fact that insurance does not pay for this benefit hold you back. Being open before leaving treatment when you are making the decisions about entering a sober living environment will help your treatment team address your fears and concerns. Living in a sober living facility can still be a successful option in your recovery journey. 

Find Healing at Our Halfway House in Atlanta

Although insurance may not cover the costs of sober living – the sober living option proves to be successful for less chance of relapse and success in the next venture of living independently in a healthy and positive lifestyle once time in sober living is completed. If you need help in finding out the benefits your insurance offers – seek help with your treatment counselor. Creekside Recovery Residences offer halfway house and sober living options for both men and women in the Atlanta area. You can contact us with any questions you may have! We have trained professionals who can help you with your options.