Medicare Health Insurance Coverage for Alcohol & Drug Rehab

Medicare covers medically necessary addiction treatment for adults 65 and older and for younger people with qualifying disabilities. This guide explains what each part of Medicare covers, what you can expect to pay in 2026, and how to find a rehab that accepts your plan.

Medicare Health Insurance Coverage for Alcohol & Drug Rehab

Medicare is federal health coverage for adults age 65 and older, as well as younger people with qualifying disabilities or specific health conditions such as End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS. As of 2025, Medicare covers roughly 68 million beneficiaries.¹ It pays for a broad range of medically necessary drug and alcohol treatment, including inpatient rehab, outpatient therapy, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, and medication-assisted treatment.

Coverage is split across four parts:

Part A covers inpatient care
Part B covers outpatient and professional services
Part C (Medicare Advantage) is offered by private insurers and replaces Parts A and B with additional benefits
Part D covers prescription medications.²

Since January 1, 2024, Medicare has also covered intensive outpatient program services and has added licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and mental health and addiction counselors as eligible providers, which has meaningfully expanded access for people seeking addiction care.³

If you are comparing treatment programs or looking for centers that accept Medicare, you can browse rehab centers by state or use the filter below to see Medicare-accepting facilities near you.

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Name / Address / Rating	Description	Treatments / Payments / Programs	Review / Contact	Images
Rolling Hills Recovery Center New Jersey Drug & Alcohol Rehab Ad This is an ad and Rolling Hills Recovery Center New Jersey Drug & Alcohol Rehab is a paid advertiser. Paid advertisers may be listed first in search results. This ad may contain content provided by the advertiser. Rehab.com does not verify ad content or any reviews that are displayed. Learn More Chester, NJ 5.0 (316 reviews)	Rolling Hills Recovery Center is state licensed, and one of the best outpatient drug and alcohol rehab facilities in Chester, New Jersey. Providing a continuum of treatment from partial hospitalization care to intensive outpatient programs, their interdisciplinary team looks at addiction from all angles. This includes the whole person, the communit	Treatments Programs Payment Options AlcoholismDrug AddictionOpioid AddictionSubstance Abuse Adult ProgramYoung Adult Program Private InsuranceSelf-Pay Options	View Website (973) 606-9170	Rolling Hills Recovery Center New Jersey Drug & Alcohol Rehab has no reviews yet. Leave a review.	11 11
Legacy Recovery Center Chandler, AZ 4.8 (52 reviews)	Legacy Recovery Center is a physician-owned residential treatment facility in Chandler, Arizona, specializing in addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. The program treats substance use disorders, including alcohol, opioids, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and fentanyl, alongside conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar	Treatments Programs Payment Options AlcoholismDrug AddictionOpioid AddictionMental Health and Substance AbuseSubstance AbuseMental Health Teen ProgramAdult ProgramProgram For MenProgram For WomenYoung Adult ProgramChild ProgramSeniors Program Private InsuranceSelf-Pay OptionsFinancial Aid	I'm so happy to have Legacy be my first treatment center. I can say the experience was far much better than I expected. My mental health was the main priority and Legacy made sure that I was getting the help I need. The staff was great and was very helpful when needed. Everyone made me feel like home but also making sure I'm getting the treatment I deserve. Man this was truly a blessing being here. Thank you to everyone that made me feel comfortable and make me a better person these past 30 days. I'm so grateful for Legacy Recovery for everything. Koaluh 6 months ago Paul is THE best tech and human being in the entire world. He made a significant impact in my over all mental health healing with his shared wisdom and life experiences. The facilitation as a whole was fantastic. Their management needs a lot of work though. Lorena Valdez 6 months ago this is the third treatment center i have ever attended and i can say by far that this is the BEST one i have ever been to. they strictly focus on mental health and uncovering traumas i was always so scared to talk about. on top of that, the staff has always been so generous and genuine and that’s rare to find in treatment centers. it was a life changing experience for me that i’ll never forget- thank you! jacey 7 months ago	5 5
Virtue Recovery Center Texas Drug and Alcohol Rehab Killeen, TX 4.9 (220 reviews)	Virtue Recovery Center Texas is a nationally accredited addiction treatment facility offering personalized, trauma-informed care in a comfortable, residential setting. Located just outside Austin, our center provides a full continuum of care including medical detox, residential treatment, PHP, and IOP programs. We specialize in treating substance u	Treatments Programs Payment Options Opioid AddictionDrug AddictionSubstance AbuseAlcoholism Adult ProgramProgram For MenProgram For WomenYoung Adult ProgramSeniors Program Private InsuranceSelf-Pay Options	my stay here has been truly amazing. I learned so much about myself. My self esteem has gone up considerably. I want to give special thanks to all the people who work at Virtue and especially my case workers Miss Kerry and Gillian they have gone beyond my highest expectations. Thank you to everyone at Virtue for giving me a new life! Donald Winters 5 months ago I just did the 33 day program here and the staff was phenomenal! The therapists and case managers were on top of everything and made my recovery process so much easier. They were there for me from beginning to end. The nursing staff was on top of my meds and I never had any issues. Thank you Virtue for helping me grow and become the woman I am today. I couldn’t have done it without you! I have learned so much about myself and the disease I have to live with. You’ve given me the tools I need to help keep the disease at bay. Although it was hard for me to be away from my family, I would do it again because I am stronger now. The facility was nice and the food was amazing! Anything that I couldn’t eat because of diet, they always had something I could eat and made it for me! I’m gonna miss y’all but thank you again for helping my recovery and helping me leave a better and healthier person! Love y’all!! Amanda Pike 5 months ago Virtue Recovery saved my life. From Gina, to Naomi, and nurse Barbara, the staff was amazing. The groups were informative and life changing. I recommend Virtue to anyone who is serious about their Recovery. Luis S 5 months ago
North Philadelphia Health System – Girard Medical Center Philadelphia, PA 3.4 (35 reviews)	The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard is operated by the North Philadelphia Health System. They offer behavioral health services to clients of all ages in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are located in the Girard Medical Center with ample onsite parking available to you and your loved ones. They are also accessible to nearby restaurants, homes	Treatments Programs Payment Options AlcoholismDrug AddictionDual DiagnosisMental Health and Substance AbuseOpioid Addiction Adult ProgramHearing Impaired ProgramHIV/AIDS ProgramLGBTQ ProgramProgram For MenYoung Adult Program MedicaidSelf-Pay OptionsSliding Scale Payment AssistanceFinancial AidMedicare	Great place to get clean & seek help from people who actually want to see you Grow! Janis Rodriguez 1 year ago great place! Goldman workers try their best to meet ends with us who are seeking help they are good people! they also helped me get medical to help pay my expenses off down at the admission & get the medication I needed which was a plus!! Thank you bewell i am now sober going on 9 years and counting!!!!!!!! Richard Claudio 1 year ago I was a client back in 1999 and have been clean ever since. My experience @ the BeWell center was a positive one. The BeWell center was a place where I felt heard and my feelings were validated. However, I had take that first step and completely surrender. At the BeWell center I lost the ability to continue to lie to myself. After working in this field for the last 22 years at another program, I was fortunate and blessed to come back "home" and work @ the BeWell Center at Girard. William Rodriguez 2 years ago
Via Dolorosa Recovery Morehead, KY	The purpose of Via Dolorosa is to serve as a beacon of hope and healing for those affected by substance use disorders. Rooted in spiritual principles, we strive to create a nurturing community that supports personal growth.	Treatments Programs AlcoholismDrug AddictionOpioid AddictionSubstance AbuseDual DiagnosisMental Health Adult programProgram for men	Via Dolorosa Recovery has no reviews yet. Leave a review.	11 11
Lakeside Behavioral Health System – Dual Diagnosis Memphis, TN 5.0 (1 reviews)	For over 55 years, Lakeside Behavioral Health System has been an addiction treatment center for adults. You'll find 'em located out in Memphis, Tennessee. Services include residential (IP), partial hospitalization (PHP), and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). They also offer medically supervised detox. The Patriot Support Program helps members of	Treatments Programs Payment Options AlcoholismDrug AddictionDual DiagnosisMental Health and Substance AbuseOpioid Addiction Adult ProgramYoung Adult Program MedicaidPrivate insuranceSelf-Pay OptionsMedicareMilitary Insurance	Lakeside Behavioral Health System – Dual Diagnosis has no reviews yet. Leave a review.

More About Medicare

Find a facility that accepts Medicare

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Does Medicare Cover Addiction Treatment?

Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans generally cover medically necessary mental health and substance abuse treatment. The amount of out-of-pocket costs you pay, such as your copayment, coinsurance, and deductible, may vary depending on your specific plan options.

Different types of treatment are covered by different parts of Original Medicare. For example, Medicare Part A covers hospitalization and, therefore, would be the coverage that applies to inpatient or residential treatment. Medicare Part B covers doctor’s visits and outpatient addiction care. Medicare Part D covers many of the prescription drugs used for mental health and substance use treatment, although coverage may depend on where the medication is administered.

Medicare Advantage plans operate similarly to private insurance. You’ll get at least as much coverage as Original Medicare and often additional benefits as well. You’ll usually have specific copayments instead of paying a percentage of the cost in coinsurance. However, you may need to stay within the plan’s provider network to get coverage, and you may need referrals to visit specialists such as mental health professionals and addiction treatment centers.

Who Is Eligible for Medicare?

Medicare eligibility is based on age, disability status, or specific health conditions. Most people become eligible the month they turn 65, but younger people with qualifying disabilities, End-Stage Renal Disease, or ALS can also enroll.⁴

You are generally eligible for Medicare if any of the following apply:

You are 65 or older and are a U.S. citizen or a legal resident who has lived in the country for at least five continuous years.

You are under 65 and have a qualifying disability. After receiving Social Security Disability Insurance for 24 months, you are automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.

You have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and need dialysis or a kidney transplant.

You have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Medicare coverage begins the month your SSDI benefits start, with no 24-month waiting period.⁴

Enrollment periods matter. Most people enroll during the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is the seven-month window around the 65th birthday month. People who miss the IEP can enroll during the General Enrollment Period (January 1 through March 31), though late-enrollment penalties may apply. Those who receive SSDI are enrolled automatically after 24 months.⁴

Eligibility is not the same as coverage of a specific rehab program. Even after you are enrolled, a covered service must also be medically necessary and provided by a Medicare-approved facility or provider.

What are the Four Parts of Medicare?

Medicare has four main parts, and each one plays a different role in paying for addiction treatment. Understanding which part applies to which service is the fastest way to estimate what you will owe out of pocket.⁵

The table below summarizes how each part covers the most common levels of care. All dollar figures are 2026 Original Medicare amounts from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.²

Part	What it covers	Key 2026 costs for rehab
Part A (Hospital Insurance)	Inpatient rehab, medical detox in a hospital, skilled nursing facility care, and inpatient mental health care	$1,736 deductible per benefit period; $0 per day for days 1 to 60; $434 per day for days 61 to 90; $868 per day for lifetime reserve days (up to 60 lifetime). 190-day lifetime cap applies to freestanding psychiatric hospitals only.
Part B (Medical Insurance)	Outpatient treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), individual and group therapy, medication-assisted treatment, SBIRT, and mental health services	$283 annual deductible; you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the deductible. $202.90 standard monthly premium.
Part C (Medicare Advantage)	Offered by private insurers. Must cover everything Parts A and B cover, and usually bundles Part D. May add benefits like vision, hearing, and transportation.	Premiums, deductibles, copays, and networks vary by plan. Often uses copayments instead of coinsurance and may require referrals or in-network providers.
Part D (Prescription Drugs)	Medications for opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and co-occurring conditions including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants	Plan-specific premiums, deductibles, and copays. Maximum Part D deductible is $615 in 2026. Each plan has its own formulary.

Medigap (also called Medicare Supplement) is a separate policy you can buy from a private insurer to help cover Original Medicare’s out-of-pocket costs, including hospital coinsurance and deductibles. Medigap plans cannot be used with Medicare Advantage plans.²

What Types of Addiction Treatment are Covered by Medicare?

Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage both cover medically necessary treatment. You can work with your doctor to get a treatment plan showing what levels of care you need and for how long.

Inpatient drug rehab, delivered in a clinic or a hospital, is covered by Medicare Advantage plans or Original Medicare Part A when an inpatient setting is medically necessary. There can be limits on the number of days covered depending on the type of facility, so be sure to check your plan details.

Original Medicare may cover partial hospitalization, or day programs, that are located in a hospital outpatient department or community mental health center if you meet specific requirements. Here, patients attend treatment during the day and return to their homes at night. PHP program sessions often take place for 4-8 hours a day, three to five days a week, and provide at least 20 hours of treatment a week. Day programs typically last for 3-4 weeks, but it can go up to several months.

Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage also cover intensive outpatient substance abuse rehab treatment. Intensive outpatient programs typically involve 9 to 20 hours of treatment per week, with these hours spread over 3 to 5 days. Intensive programs generally last around 90 days and include individual, group, and family counseling, and addiction and relapse prevention education. This category also includes medication assisted treatment (MAT).

Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare Part B cover telehealth visits for substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health disorders along with mental health treatment and behavioral health services. For these services you don’t have to worry about being in a rural medical facility — you can receive them at home.

How Did Medicare Mental Healthcare Change in 2024?

The most significant change to Medicare substance abuse coverage that occurred on January 1, 2024, is the inclusion of additional mental health providers who are now eligible to be reimbursed by Medicare for their services and can therefore be more available to Medicare patients.

Previously only psychiatrists and psychologists along with clinical social workers were Medicare eligible providers. Now licensed professional counselors and mental health counselors along addiction counselors are Medicare eligible. The list also includes marriage and family therapists and alcohol and drug counselors.

This long awaited change makes it possible for many clients who could not afford to pay out of pocket for their treatment to access the services they need. According to the American Counseling Association about 200,000 new mental health counselors will enroll as Medicare providers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare Cover Methadone & Suboxone (MAT)?

Medicare may cover the following medications for substance use disorders, depending on the plan and delivery setting:

Methadone — covered under Part B when administered through a Medicare-enrolled Opioid Treatment Program for opioid use disorder.
Buprenorphine (including Suboxone) — covered for opioid use disorder. Coverage mechanics depend on where the medication is dispensed.
Naltrexone (including Vivitrol) — covered for opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder.
Naloxone (Narcan) — covered as an overdose reversal medication through Part D.
Acamprosate and disulfiram — covered under Part D for alcohol use disorder.

For a deeper explanation of each option, see our guide to medication-assisted treatment.

What to Do if Medicare Won’t Cover the Cost of Rehab

Medicare is selective about which programs are covered and some centers may not accept Medicare due to lower payouts. That means you may face a situation where Medicare won’t cover the substance use treatment you’re interested in.

It’s still important to get the care you need. You can look into whether you also qualify for Medicaid, which can allow you to get a Dual Eligible plan that offers more coverage. Another option is to look for a treatment program that has a sliding scale of fees based on income where you can get affordable high quality care.

Some treatment facilities offer scholarships or payment plans that can make it easier to afford care. You may also be able to borrow money from friends and family. The most important thing is that you get the treatment you need to break free from substance use.

Can I Travel Out of State for Treatment With Medicare?

This is an important question because with Original Medicare, the answer is yes you can see any Medicare approved provider. However if you have a Medicare Advantage plan you are often limited to the plan’s medical network.

You can switch from Advantage back to Original Medicare during open enrollment but you’ll need to be sure to buy a Part D drug plan to go with Parts A & B. You’ll also want to be mindful of the changes in out of pocket costs because Medicare charges a percentage coinsurance rather than a set copayment. It’s not necessarily more — although it can be — but it’s definitely different.

Medicare advantage plans can be Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) or Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO). These plans will have different networks and different rules about whether you can get coverage for out of network care. Communicating with the insurance company is the best way to know if a treatment is covered and what deductibles or copays apply along with what medications are supported and other details.

Does Medicare Cover Alcohol and Drug Screening (SBIRT)?

Medicare covers Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) under Part B as a preventive service for people at risk of a substance-related health issue.⁷ There is no cost to the patient when SBIRT is delivered in a doctor’s office or hospital outpatient department by an eligible provider.

SBIRT has three parts:

Screening — a short set of questions to identify risky alcohol or drug use before it becomes a diagnosable disorder.
Brief intervention — a short conversation with your provider about what the screening found and any recommended next steps.
Referral to treatment — connection to specialty addiction services if the screening indicates a need for more structured care.

Medicare also covers one free annual alcohol misuse assessment and up to four brief face-to-face counseling sessions per year for people whose drinking is risky but who do not meet the criteria for a diagnosed alcohol use disorder.⁸