

Medicare Addiction Treatment Coverage | Find Rehab Centers That Accept Medicare Near You
Addiction doesn’t discriminate based on age or income, and recovery shouldn’t either. Many older adults and people with disabilities wonder if they can get help for substance use disorder through their Medicare insurance. The good news? Medicare addiction treatment coverage exists, and it could be the path that helps someone rebuild their life. Whether you’re looking for detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient services, or long-term recovery options, there are rehab centers that accept Medicare and provide compassionate, evidence-based care.
As journalist David Sheff once said, “Addiction isn’t about using drugs. It’s about what the drug does to your life.” The damage caused by substance abuse can be physical, emotional, and financial. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 1 million adults aged 65 and older live with a substance use disorder. And many don’t seek help because they believe they can’t afford it. That ends today.
What Is Medicare Addiction Treatment Coverage?
Medicare addiction treatment coverage refers to the mental health and substance abuse benefits included in Medicare Parts A, B, and D. These benefits cover a wide range of addiction-related services, from detox and inpatient rehab to counseling and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
Part A covers inpatient hospital care, including rehab stays in a hospital or specialized facility. This includes medically necessary detox services and mental health hospitalization.
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
Part B helps cover outpatient therapy, visits to psychiatrists or substance abuse counselors, partial hospitalization programs, and screenings for alcohol misuse.
Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)
Part D covers medications used in addiction recovery, including those for MAT such as methadone (in specific settings), buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
Rehab Centers That Accept Medicare
Not all treatment centers accept Medicare, so it’s essential to search specifically for rehab centers that accept Medicare. These facilities understand how to bill Medicare properly and ensure patients receive the care they need without out-of-pocket surprises.
You can find Medicare-accepting centers offering:
- Medical detox
- Inpatient rehab
- Outpatient programs (IOP & PHP)
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Behavioral therapy like CBT and DBT
- Support groups and aftercare planning
Many state-funded rehab centers and nonprofit organizations also work with Medicare beneficiaries.
Who Qualifies for Medicare-Funded Addiction Treatment?
You may qualify for Medicare addiction treatment coverage if:
- You are 65 or older
- You are under 65 and have a qualifying disability
- You have end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
Once enrolled, you’ll have access to substance abuse treatment services, provided they are deemed medically necessary by a licensed healthcare provider.
Dangers of Delaying Treatment
Addiction worsens over time. Waiting for help can lead to irreversible damage. Substance use increases the risk of heart disease, liver failure, cognitive decline, and death. Among Medicare beneficiaries, hospitalization rates related to alcohol and drug use have risen significantly in recent years.
The CDC reports that between 2007 and 2017, the number of older adults who died from a drug overdose more than doubled. Ignoring addiction doesn’t make it disappear—it makes recovery harder.
Hope Through Coverage and Compassion
Access to addiction treatment through Medicare is a life-saving opportunity. Whether you’re looking for help for yourself or a loved one, know this: Medicare coverage removes one of the biggest barriers to treatment—cost.
Treatment works. Recovery is real. And the right Medicare-covered rehab program can provide the support, therapy, and medical care needed to get better.
What to Ask When Searching for Medicare Rehab Programs
When calling rehab centers, ask:
- Do you accept Medicare for addiction treatment?
- What services are covered under my plan?
- Are medications for MAT included?
- Do you provide detox or residential care?
- What is your discharge and aftercare plan?
A Brighter Tomorrow Is Within Reach
Choosing recovery is a brave first step, and Medicare makes it possible for more people than ever. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you don’t have to go through it alone. Help is available, affordable, and waiting.
Recovery isn’t just for the wealthy or young. It’s for everyone with a heartbeat and a desire for change. As author Anne Lamott says, “Hope begins in the dark.” Let this be the day hope begins.
Explore our directory below to find trusted, compassionate rehab centers that accept Medicare near you. Your healing journey starts here.