Learn about the cost of residential treatment and explore financial assistance. Discover payment methods like insurance, Medicaid, and more.
According to the National Institute of behavioralHealth, nearly one in five U.S. adults lives with some type of behavioral illness.
Many of these adults benefit greatly from residential care.
However, finding out that you or a loved one needs residential health treatment can be overwhelming. On top of the emotional stress, many people worry about how they will pay for the care they need.
The good news is that there are many ways to pay for residential health treatment and have it fit your financial situation.
What is Residential Treatment?
Residential treatment is a type of intensive health care in which individuals live at a treatment facility for a period of time.
This setting provides a structured environment that offers around-the-clock care and support. Residential treatment may be essential for those with severe behavioral health support needs. It provides a safe space to focus on specialized clinician directed coping strategy development and healing within the context of a home environment in a community setting.
The Benefits of Residential Treatment
Residential treatment offers several key benefits that make it an effective option for many individuals.
- Intensive, structured environment for severe cases – Residential treatment offers 24/7 care, ensuring that individuals receive constant specialized support and supervision. Programs which focus on treating individuals with high frequency/ high magnitude behaviors are highly specialized, and there are few providers around the country.
- Comprehensive care with various types of therapies – These facilities provide a range of therapies and coping strategies tailored to meet each person’s needs. This includes individual and group therapy as well as medication trials and management.
- Safe space focused solely on recovery – Residential settings remove many of the external pressures and triggers that can hinder progress, allowing individuals to concentrate fully on pro-social behavior and their recovery.
- Community support from peers facing similar challenges – Sharing the journey with others who understand can be incredibly therapeutic. People served often build strong, supportive relationships that help in their healing process.
- Relief for loved ones who can’t be there 24/7 – Family members and friends can have peace of mind knowing that their loved one is safe, receiving constant therapeutic care and support from professionals.
Understanding the Cost of Residential Treatment
The cost of residential treatment can vary widely based on several factors:
Type of Facility
The type of facility can significantly impact the cost.
Environments of care that provide safety and services delivered by skilled clinicians who are trained and skilled in reducing aggression toward others, toward self and toward others is a highly specialized. The staffing to person served ratio is high and the cost of delivering this specialized care can be significant.
Few Providers
There are very few specialized providers who treat individuals with high frequency/ high magnitude aggressions due to a medical diagnosis. The cost of creating a safe physical environment of care and providing qualified, effective licensed and certified staff is significant. There are not many of these providers around the country.
Length of Stay
The duration of treatment directly affects the total cost.
Longer stays will incur higher costs. It’s important to discuss the recommended length of stay with the treatment facility and understand how this will impact overall expenses.
Level of Care
Different levels of medical and therapeutic care come with varying costs.
More intensive levels of care, such as those requiring constant medical necessary supervision, will be more expensive. Choose a level of care that matches the individual’s needs.
Specialized Programs
Some facilities offer specialized programs tailored to specific conditions or therapies.
These programs may add to the overall cost but can provide targeted, highly beneficial treatment.
Amenities
Additional amenities, such as private rooms, community based recreational activities that support carry over of skills learned, and wellness services, are considerations when determining the cost of treatment.
Typically, the monthly cost of residential behavioral health treatment is greater than $25, 000/ month. However, this cost may vary greatly depending the intensity of support and supervision required.
How to Pay for Residential Health Treatment
So, how can you pay for residential treatment?
Here are several payment methods to consider:
Insurance Coverage
When possible, Insurance coverage is one of the best ways to pay for residential treatment.
Many insurance plans offer coverage for residential services, such as neurorehabilitation or behavioral health — see what your plan covers and how to maximize your benefits.
Start by reviewing your insurance policy to see what residential treatments are included. Make sure to verify if the treatment facility is in-network, as this can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Remember that navigating the insurance claims process can be tricky. It’s a good idea to get pre-authorizations and follow the required steps to ensure your claims are processed smoothly.
Knowing your coverage can alleviate a lot of stress and help you focus on recovery. For help with insurance coverage, you can get in touch with the team at NeuroRestorative — our team can help you navigate any complexities.
Medicaid, Public School and Other Government Programs
Government programs can provide substantial assistance for those who qualify.
Medicaid, for example, covers behavioral health treatment for eligible individuals. It’s essential to determine if you qualify for Medicaid and understand what services are covered.
For school aged children whose behavior dysregulation does not allow for their participation in public education, the child’s public school may cover the costs associated with residential education as provided by a behavioral health focused program.
There are also various state and federal assistance programs that can offer financial aid for residential treatment.
Veterans can explore benefits through Veterans Affairs (VA), as they may have access to specific residential services. These programs can offer vital support in managing the costs of treatment.
Employer Assistance Programs
Many employers understand the importance of behavioral health and offer various support programs.
One such program is the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides resources and referrals for residential support. Your employer-sponsored health plan might also include coverage for neurorehabilitation or behavioral health treatment.
Talk with your HR department — they can give you detailed information about the benefits and programs available to you. Taking advantage of these resources can make a big difference in accessing and affording the treatment you or your loved one needs.
Remember, these programs are there to help you, so don’t hesitate to use them!
Direct Payment
Paying directly out of pocket is one way to cover the costs of treatment.
It’s not always easy, but some people use their personal savings or emergency funds.
If you have a health savings account (HSA) or a flexible spending account (FSA), you can also tap into those resources. These accounts offer tax benefits and are specifically meant for medical expenses, including residential treatment.
While it might be tough to dip into your savings or other funds, this can be a straightforward way to ensure you or your loved one gets the necessary care.
Of course, this isn’t an option for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay; there are other ways to get the support you need.
Personal Financing Options
Many banks and credit unions offer loans specifically for medical expenses, which can help spread out the cost of treatment over time.
Some treatment facilities also offer financing plans, allowing you to make payments in installments instead of one large sum.
Credit cards are another option, though it’s important to choose those with manageable interest rates to avoid piling up debt.
These financing options can provide the financial flexibility needed to access treatment and support the healing journey.
Charitable Organizations
Charitable organizations can be a lifeline when it comes to financial assistance for residential treatment.
Many charities offer grants specifically for residential care, providing essential funds for those in need. Some organizations offer additional resources that can help lower the cost of treatment.
Additionally, community-based support initiatives can further assist in managing treatment expenses. These organizations can reduce the financial burden associated with residential treatment.
Crowdfunding and Community Support
Crowdfunding and direct community support can be a big help in covering treatment costs.
For example, platforms like GoFundMe allow you to create campaigns to raise money for residential treatment. Sharing your story on social media can be powerful, helping you gather support from your community.
You can also organize local fundraisers or benefit events to raise funds and increase awareness about the need for neurorehabilitation and behavioral health treatment. These efforts can bring together friends, family, and others who are willing to help ease the financial strain and show support.
Preparing for the Financial Commitment
Understanding and preparing for the financial commitment of residential treatment is crucial.
Evaluating the Long-Term Value of Treatment
Although residential treatment often comes with high costs, it is a commitment to health and wellness.
Investing in residential treatment can lead to significant long-term savings. By addressing these issues comprehensively, you may reduce the need for ongoing outpatient treatment, which can be costly over time.
Effective treatment can also improve overall quality of life, leading to better personal and societal outcomes.
Budgeting and Financial Planning
It helps to create a budget and plan for residential treatment costs.
Start by listing all expected expenses, including the treatment itself and any additional costs, such as travel. Planning for post-treatment expenses is also important, as continued care and support might be necessary.
Adjusting your financial plans to accommodate these costs will help ensure you are prepared and can manage finances effectively during and after treatment.
Financial Counseling and Support Services
Seeking advice from financial counselors who specialize in medical expenses can provide valuable guidance. These professionals can help you understand your options and create a plan tailored to your situation.
Many nonprofits and community organizations also offer services to help manage the financial aspects of residential care.
Managing Debt and Financial Stress
Managing debt incurred from treatment costs requires careful planning and strategy.
Developing a plan to repay any loans or credit used for treatment is crucial. Accessing behavioral health resources to cope with financial stress can also be beneficial.
Long-term financial planning, budgeting, and seeking support from financial advisors can help you manage debt repayment and recovery, ensuring that financial concerns do not hinder treatment progress.
Planning for Length of Treatment
You’ll want to be sure that you take the length of treatment into consideration.
The duration of treatment can significantly impact the overall cost, so you’ll want to be sure that you factor this into your financial planning. Some individuals may require a longer stay to achieve the best outcomes, which could mean adjusting your budget and exploring additional funding options.
Discussing the recommended length of treatment with the facility can help you better understand what to expect and how to prepare financially. You don’t want to be surprised by the cost and have to pull out of treatment early!
Residential Treatment Can Help Your Loved Ones
For many people living with intensive behavioral health issues, residential treatment offers the help they need.
NeuroRestorative provides a personalized treatment plan that best caters to every person’s needs and goals.
Discover more about how we can help today! Call 800-743-6802 or visit neurorestorative.com
