Expert Insights
I have witnessed addiction daily as a professional, but it hit home when a close friend became addicted to crystal meth. I was working as a licensed substance abuse counselor at the time in a nearby city and knew it was challenging to push someone into treatment. Instead, I supported her as a friend and let her know I was available to help when she was ready. I assisted her in getting to treatment, and today, she is 10 years sober from meth.
According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, methamphetamine use in Iowa is historically high and rising. The use of methamphetamine is growing faster than other substances, spreading from rural to urban areas due to its increased availability across the state.
Its widespread use has increased, as the meth identified in Iowa drug seizure lab tests has more than doubled from 21% in 2011 to 44% in 2019. This makes it clear that my friend was not an isolated case but that this is a growing issue that requires serious attention and compassion.
~ Shaweta “Shay” Vasudeva, MA
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost in Iowa?
Iowa is ranked 46th nationwide in terms of addiction treatment affordability, with an average cost of drug and alcohol rehab of $60,174 (without insurance).
- Medical detox is the most expensive, with an average cost of $148,351
- Long-term inpatient drug rehab in Iowa costs an average of $53,100
- Outpatient addiction treatment in Iowa costs an average of $8,823
- Outpatient methadone treatment is the most affordable, with an average cost of $7,839
The exact cost of addiction treatment in Iowa depends on several factors, including:
Types of care (outpatient or inpatient)
Amenities and features offered by treatment facilities
Duration of program (short-term, long-term, or detoxification)
Insurance provider coverage
Types of recovery support services
Location and size of facility (city or rural)
Paying for Addiction Treatment in Iowa
Private Pay and Insurance
There are many major commercial health insurance carriers in the state of Iowa. Additionally, three insurers offered exchange plans on the Marketplace in 2024. Providers include:
Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa
Considered one of the major insurance providers in the state of Iowa, they follow Affordable Care Act (ACA) guidelines covering substance use disorder treatment. This includes inpatient and outpatient treatment and counseling services. They may offer programs for participants such as case management and virtual appointments with health care providers depending on individual benefit plans. Individuals are encouraged to contact the insurance provider to determine what are covered services, assistance in finding providers that are in-network and for out-of- pocket costs.
United Healthcare of Utah
Alcohol and Substance Use Disorder treatment are covered services with UHC. Benefit plans differ, so individuals will need to check their Explanation of Benefits (EOB) summary to find out what is a covered service and what the out-of-pocket costs will be. UHC offers members a 24/7 substance use helpline number at 1-855-780-5955, individuals or family members can call in crisis or for information regarding treatment options, provider directory and resources in their community.
Health Partners of Iowa
Health Partners of Iowa offers alcohol and substance use disorder treatment. Their care management services help to connect individuals with treatment options that are covered by their benefit plan. The covered services depend on the type of insurance plan the individual is enrolled in and may include counseling services and medication assisted treatment (MAT). MAT has been shown to decrease relapse rates and help individuals cope with withdrawal symptoms and cravings. The out-of-pocket costs will differ depending on the services and amount of coverage dictated under their plan.
Medica
Many treatment options for alcohol and substance use disorder are covered by Medica and include inpatient and outpatient treatment and individual family and group therapy. Most services do not require prior authorization but individuals should always check their benefits summary to find out what the guidelines are for treatment and what out-of-pocket expenses to expect.
CoOportunity Health
CoOportunity Health is an insurance company providing services in Iowa and Nebraska. They offer plans through the Marketplace and cover individuals and families. They follow Affordable Care Act (ACA) guidelines for alcohol and substance use disorder treatment. Benefits differ between plans. Individuals are encouraged to contact them to determine what are covered benefits, out-of-pocket expenses and if prior authorization for treatment is needed.
Medicaid
Iowa provides health insurance coverage for residents who meet certain criteria such as income level, state residency, be a U.S. citizen or national, legal permanent resident or qualified alien and may need to fall under a certain asset test to qualify under their Iowa Health Link program. These Medicaid plans cover inpatient and outpatient substance use disorder treatment services at facilities that accept this type of insurance. Prior authorization is often required for services. Participants should contact their insurance provider to determine what are covered benefits, what outside costs they may incur, and to help them locate providers that participate in the Iowa Health Link program.
Medicare
Medicare provides insurance coverage for individuals over the age of 65 and some folks with disabilities and certain disorders. Medicare Part A pays for inpatient substance abuse treatment. Clients are required to pay the same co-pays they would be charged for any other type of inpatient hospitalization. For those with Medicare Part B, outpatient substance abuse treatment services from a clinic or hospital outpatient department are covered. Medicare Advantage plans can help pay for services such as prescription drug coverage that is not covered as a part of Part A or Part B. Services must be received at a facility or practice that participates in Medicare.
Military Insurance
TRICARE and VA benefits are accepted at participating providers throughout the state of Iowa. For those with alcohol and substance use disorders, the Veterans Administration offers inpatient and outpatient services at their clinics and hospitals at no cost.
Tribal funding/programs
All individuals of Native American or Alaska Native descent are eligible for health care and Medicaid through the Indian Health Service (IHS). Alcohol and substance use disorder treatment are covered services.
Other Low-cost Options
For those individuals without commercial insurance, government sponsored insurance, or insurance through military service, some providers will accept sliding scale payment options, no fee for service, or financial aid. Clients will need to speak with service providers to find out what options are available to them.
Resources
- Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy. (2021). Drug Trends in Iowa Evolving Health, Safety & Response Issues.
- Iowa Department of Public Health. (2022). Your Life Iowa.
- CoOpportunity Health. (2024). Overview: Company information. https://www.cooportunityhealth.com/aboutus/
- CRUSH of Iowa. (2024). CRUSH of Iowa: In the news. https://www.crushofiowa.com/
- Health Partners. (2024). Alcohol and substance use support for members. https://www.healthpartners.com/insurance/members/health-programs/alcohol-and-substance-use/
- Iowa Health and Human Services. (2024). Your life Iowa homepage. https://yourlifeiowa.org/
