Opioid Rehab Cost: What Treatment Costs With & Without Insurance
Opioid use disorder affects approximately 2.5 million adults in the United States, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The opioid epidemic has claimed over 80,000 lives annually in recent years, driven primarily by illicit fentanyl. Understanding treatment costs — and how insurance coverage dramatically reduces those costs — is often the first step families take when seeking help.
What Does Opioid Rehab Actually Cost?
The cost of inpatient opioid rehabilitation varies based on insurance coverage, program length, and whether medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is included. MAT is the gold standard for opioid use disorder and is covered by all ACA-compliant insurance plans.
With Insurance (PPO)
With a PPO insurance plan, your estimated out-of-pocket costs for a 30-day inpatient opioid rehab program range from $7,500 to $22,000. This includes medical detox (5-7 days), residential treatment, and initiation of medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine or naltrexone.
PPO plans offer the most flexibility in choosing treatment facilities and typically have the most comprehensive MAT coverage. HMO and EPO plans may have lower premiums but often require in-network facilities and may have more restrictive medication formularies.
Without Insurance
Without insurance, the same 30-day program costs between $18,000 and $55,000. Medical detox alone — essential for managing opioid withdrawal safely — adds $2,000 to $6,500. Ongoing MAT medication costs $350 to $600 per month without insurance.
These costs can seem overwhelming, but here’s the critical fact: under the Affordable Care Act, all marketplace plans must cover substance use disorder treatment, including MAT. A PPO plan with comprehensive addiction coverage typically costs $400-$750 monthly — far less than paying out of pocket.
The Cost of Opioid Detox
Opioid withdrawal is not typically life-threatening (unlike alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal), but it is extremely uncomfortable and difficult to complete without medical support. Medically supervised detox dramatically improves completion rates and allows for immediate transition to medication-assisted treatment.
| Detox Component | Without Insurance | With PPO Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Medical monitoring (24/7) | $300 – $900/day | $200 – $700/day |
| Typical duration | 5 – 7 days | 5 – 7 days |
| Total detox cost | $2,000 – $6,500 | $1,200 – $4,900 |
| Comfort medications | Included | Included |
| MAT initiation (buprenorphine) | Included | Included |
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
MAT is the most effective treatment for opioid use disorder. Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows that MAT reduces opioid overdose deaths by 50% and increases treatment retention by up to 60% compared to behavioral therapy alone.
Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Sublocade) is a partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing euphoria. Available as a daily sublingual film/tablet or monthly injection. Most common MAT medication for opioid use disorder.
Methadone is a full opioid agonist dispensed daily through certified opioid treatment programs (OTPs). Highly effective for severe opioid use disorder, especially for individuals who have not succeeded with buprenorphine.
Naltrexone (Vivitrol) is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids. Available as a daily pill or monthly injection. Requires complete detox (7-10 days opioid-free) before initiation, making it less commonly used than buprenorphine.
| MAT Medication | Monthly Cost (Uninsured) | Monthly Cost (Insured) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buprenorphine (generic) | $150 – $350 | $10 – $75 | 12-24 months typical |
| Buprenorphine (Suboxone brand) | $400 – $600 | $25 – $150 | 12-24 months typical |
| Sublocade (monthly injection) | $1,600 – $1,800 | $50 – $300 | Minimum 6 months |
| Methadone (OTP) | $300 – $500 | $50 – $200 | Indefinite (often years) |
| Naltrexone (Vivitrol injection) | $1,200 – $1,500 | $50 – $250 | 12+ months |
With insurance, most MAT medications have minimal copays under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA).
Choosing the Right Program Length
| Duration | Best For | Insured Cost Range | Uninsured Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 days | Short-acting opioid use, motivated individuals, strong support system | $7,500 – $22,000 | $18,000 – $55,000 |
| 60 days | Long-acting opioid use, co-occurring conditions, previous treatment | $15,000 – $44,000 | $36,000 – $110,000 |
| 90 days | Fentanyl use, severe OUD, multiple prior treatments, limited support | $22,500 – $66,000 | $54,000 – $165,000 |
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recommends a minimum of 90 days for opioid use disorder, with ongoing MAT for 12-24 months minimum. Many individuals remain on MAT indefinitely, similar to managing any other chronic condition.
Opioid Crisis Statistics
According to the CDC, over 81,000 Americans died from opioid-involved overdoses in 2023. Approximately 82% of opioid overdose deaths involved illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Despite these devastating numbers, only about 20% of people with opioid use disorder receive evidence-based treatment.
The barrier isn’t availability — it’s often awareness of insurance coverage. If you have insurance, your plan likely covers comprehensive opioid treatment including MAT. If you don’t have insurance, obtaining coverage may be more accessible than you realize.
Don’t Have Insurance?
If you’re currently uninsured, getting covered is often the most cost-effective path to treatment. All ACA-compliant plans cover opioid use disorder treatment as an essential health benefit, including medical detox, residential treatment, and medication-assisted treatment. A licensed insurance specialist can help you understand your options and find plans that cover the treatment you need.
Sources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). “Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder.” 2024.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Drug Overdose Deaths.” 2024.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). National Survey on Drug Use and Health. 2024.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). “Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment.” 2024.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). “Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).” 2024.
You May Qualify for Coverage That Pays for opioid rehab
Under the Affordable Care Act, all marketplace health insurance plans must cover addiction treatment as an essential health benefit. Monthly premiums for a PPO plan that covers rehab typically range from $350 to $700 — a fraction of the cost of paying out of pocket.
A licensed insurance specialist can help you find the right plan, check for qualifying life events, and get covered — often within days.
Talk to an Insurance Specialist — Free & ConfidentialFrequently Asked Questions
How much does opioid rehab cost without insurance?
Without insurance, a 30-day inpatient opioid treatment program typically costs between $18,000 and $55,000. Medical detox adds $2,000 to $6,500 for the initial 5-7 day withdrawal management period. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine or methadone adds $350-$600 monthly. Many facilities offer payment plans for uninsured individuals.
Does insurance cover opioid rehab?
Yes. Under the Affordable Care Act and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, all marketplace health insurance plans must cover opioid use disorder treatment — including medical detox, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), inpatient programs, and outpatient care. PPO plans typically offer the broadest facility access and MAT coverage.
How long is opioid detox?
Medical detox for opioids typically lasts 5 to 7 days, though some individuals experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms for weeks or months. Detox duration varies by the specific opioid used (prescription opioids vs. heroin vs. fentanyl), length of use, and dosage. Medically supervised detox is essential for managing withdrawal symptoms safely.
What is medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapy for opioid use disorder. The three main medications are buprenorphine (Suboxone), methadone, and naltrexone (Vivitrol). Research from NIDA shows MAT reduces overdose deaths by 50% and significantly improves treatment retention compared to behavioral therapy alone.
Is 30 days enough for opioid rehab?
For opioid use disorder, research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) indicates that 90 days or longer of treatment produces significantly better outcomes. Many evidence-based programs recommend at least 90 days of residential or intensive outpatient treatment combined with ongoing MAT for 12-24 months. The appropriate length depends on the severity of use, co-occurring conditions, and individual progress.
Does rehab for fentanyl cost more than other opioids?
Fentanyl treatment costs are similar to other opioid treatment programs. However, fentanyl withdrawal may require more intensive medical monitoring due to the drug's potency and the higher risk of complications. Some programs charge slightly more for fentanyl-specific detox protocols, typically $500-$1,500 more than standard opioid detox.