RehabFAQs

how will i pay my bills while in rehab?

by Sharon Kertzmann Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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How can I pay for drug rehab?

How to Pay Bills While in Rehab. If your goal is to pay basic bills with funds that you already have or intend to save up for, there are several easy options you can choose. Prepayment – Many companies will accept funds in advance for periods of 1-12 months with no questions asked. In some cases, a bank or lender may charge a fine for paying in advance, but this is unlikely …

Can you use a credit card to pay for rehab?

If you are still working, ask your employer about accessing short-term disability payments while you are in rehab. This money is often far less than you would receive if you were working, but it may be just enough to pay for your bills. Paid vacation time can also be useful for short-term leaves of absence.

How can I get help with my bills while in rehab?

Nov 29, 2018 · How do they do it? How can you enroll in addiction treatment and also stay on top of paying bills while in rehab? We’re glad you asked. Prepay your bills. If you know you’re going into rehab in the near future, you can prepay your bills. This is an especially good idea for bill amounts that are the same from month to month. Bill collectors are sure to have no problem …

How can I pay for medical treatment?

Jan 23, 2019 · If they’re worried you might spend the money on the substance, they could pay the bill(s) themselves. Insurance. Your health insurance may pay for a portion of your treatment. Any money that you can save this way can be put towards other expenses and bills. Medicare or Medicaid may also help you to pay for rehab. Work Benefits

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Why do patients have concerns about paying bills?

There are several reasons patients share concerns about paying bills during treatment. Some may be unable to afford their bills, while others simply won’t have access to bank accounts or bill payment methods for a significant period.

What to do if a company won't allow you to prepay?

Instead of prepaying the company, put the money into a bank account (a separate account if you’re concerned about spending or automatic withdrawals).

What is financial guardian?

In most states, the term “financial guardian” is legal and highly specific. You and the person you assign will need to sign legal documents specifying your guardian as a representative for you. These documents typically also lay out everyone’s rights and responsibilities, including any limitations.

Does insurance pay for rehab?

Insurance. Insurance policies may, in some cases, pay for treatment in an inpatient rehab facility, especially if you haven’t had success with other options. In rare instances, some private insurance policies may also provide you with cash for expenses (like mortgage payments or utility bills). No matter what health insurance plan you have, it’s ...

Can you pay for rehab after you leave?

Treatment can be expensive, and people in recovery often require time off of work to get well. If you have concerns about paying your bills while you are in rehab, or if you aren’t sure how you will pay for rehab in the first place, take heart. There are many options to help you pay for services both before and after you leave.

Can you get scholarships for rehab?

Scholarships and grants for rehab are available – they aren’t just for college and university! Several major organizations, including many rehabilitation centers, provide financial aid to people who show a desire to get well, yet cannot afford the associated costs.

Can you use vacation time for short term leave of absence?

Paid vacation time can also be useful for short-term leaves of absence. Remember, you won’t have as many expenses while you’re in rehab. Many of the normal concerns, like purchasing food and entertainment, don’t apply in the same way to rehab because the facility provides access to necessities. In the next few sections, we’ll explain ...

What to focus on when you're in rehab?

When you’re in rehab, the entirety of your focus needs to be on improving yourself and developing healthy habits. That’s hard to do when you’re constantly worried about how you’re going to pay the bills. Don’t let these worries stop you from seeking treatment.

What is a financial guardian?

A financial guardian is a trusted family member or friend who has access to your accounts and keeps an eye on your bills to ensure they’re paid on time. There could be unexpected expenses that crop up while you’re in rehab, and your guardian will be the one to take care of them.

Can you prepay bills in rehab?

Prepay Your Bills. If you know you’re going into rehab in the near future, you can prepay your bills. This is an especially good idea for bill amounts that are the same from month to month. Bill collectors are sure to have no problem receiving early payments as opposed to late payments.

Can I use my credit card to pay off my debt?

Now is the perfect time to use your credit card or apply for a personal loan. This can provide enough funds to pay off bills and debt, or even cover living expenses if you’re attending an outpatient program. Just make sure you account for paying the loan back, since financial stressors can often lead to a relapse after treatment.

Can you set up automatic payments in rehab?

Set Up Automatic Payments. Rather than fretting about successfully meeting due dates, you can set up payments to be automatically de ducted from your bank account . However, this can be problematic if you’re not receiving an income while you’re in rehab.

Does short term disability pay your salary?

Receiving Short-Term Disability. Your employer may offer short-term disability that helps with bills and living expenses. Usually, disability does not pay your entire salary, but it can still help you get by and is certainly better than having no income.

Can you use vacation time for rehab?

If you use paid vacation time to go to rehab, you will be able to maintain your regular salary while getting the help you need. Treatment programs vary in length, and you may not be able to complete an inpatient treatment program using accrued vacation time. Still, paid days off can help you get through as least part of your treatment.

What are scholarships for treatment?

A variety of scholarships exist to help people from all walks of life to fund treatment. These scholarships may pay only for treatment, while others may also help you to pay for your bills.

Does Medicare pay for rehab?

Any money that you can save this way can be put towards other expenses and bills. Medicare or Medicaid may also help you to pay for rehab.

Can you liquidate a 401(k)?

While it may be hard to consider liquidating a portion of your savings or retirement (401 (k) or IRA), doing so could allow you to get life-saving drug treatment . After all , if your life is devastated by an untreated addiction down the road, you won’t be able to enjoy your retirement much anyways.

What to do when you are in rehab?

Personal loan: To cover costs of treatment or personal bills while in rehab, consider taking out a personal loan. Banks, friends, and family are all potential sources – just do your research and be sure you can pay the money back.

What to sell while in rehab?

Many items can be sold quickly and easily to scrape together enough cash to pay for your expenses while in rehab.

How to keep your job while in rehab?

Are concerns about keeping your job are holding you back? Here are the facts: 1 ADA protection: The Americans with Disabilities Act protects those who choose to attend rehab. It requires your employer to make accommodations for you to get treatment. And, they can’t fire you because you decide to attend rehab. 2 Family and Medical Leave Act: FMLA allows employees to take 12 weeks of medical leave. While in the rehab program, your job is protected. 3 Confidentiality: If your employer receives any information about your treatment, they are required to maintain confidentiality.

Why do people raise angel funds?

Here are a few ideas you might want to think about: Angel Funds: Many organizations raise Angel Funds specifically to help pay for treatment services for those in financial need. With rehab costs covered, you will have more funds freed up to pay your bills while in rehab.

How long can you take FMLA?

Family and Medical Leave Act: FMLA allows employees to take 12 weeks of medical leave. While in the rehab program, your job is protected. Confidentiality: If your employer receives any information about your treatment, they are required to maintain confidentiality.

What is the ADA protection?

ADA protection: The Americans with Disabilities Act protects those who choose to attend rehab. It requires your employer to make accommodations for you to get treatment. And, they can’t fire you because you decide to attend rehab. Family and Medical Leave Act: FMLA allows employees to take 12 weeks of medical leave.

Can you be a financial guardian while in rehab?

Financial guardian: Even if you find the funds to pay for everything while in rehab, it may be difficult to physically keep up with payments. Or unexpected payments may come up while you are away. Because of these issues, it might help to appoint someone as your financial guardian.

Set Up Automatic Payments with Your Bank

Setting up automatic payments through your bank is probably your best option. That’s because you’ll be able to schedule all your monthly payments – rent, utilities, whatever – from one central location. It’s actually pretty easy to do, but the process varies from bank to bank.

Set Up Automatic Payments Directly with Vendors

If for some reason you can’t automate bill payment through your bank, in some cases, you can pay service providers directly. The main disadvantage to this approach is that you’ll need to login to all of your various accounts and set up each one individually. Make sure to have your checking account number and your routing number handy, too.

How to get debt settled before rehab?

One option is to contact your bank or credit card company and request leniency for extenuating circumstances. They may be willing to work with you, especially if you have a good payment history. You may also want to consider consolidating your debt so that you have one low easy payment each month.

How do I recover from drug addiction?

Recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction usually requires professional rehabilitation. While it’s a great first step to admit your problem and enter a drug rehab program, most people can’t just up and leave right away. They must prepare by arranging for childcare, taking a leave of absence from work, and setting up automatic bill pay.

How to start substance abuse treatment?

The first place to start is with your insurance company. You can contact them directly or speak with your HR department about your benefits. Most types of insurance are required by law to provide some type of coverage for substance abuse treatment.

How long is FMLA?

FMLA. FMLA grants you 12 weeks of unpaid medical leave without the risk of losing your job. Even though FMLA is unpaid, you can use your vacation time, sick time and personal time to get paid. Short-term disability. You may qualify for financial assistance to help with your living expenses while you’re in treatment.

What is an EAP program?

If you are employed, your employer may offer an EAP. These programs provide services for work and personal problems, including substance abuse, stress management, child care referrals and mental health.

Can I use vacation time for rehab?

Using accrued vacation time toward rehab allows you to take time off work without losing or reducing your income. You may not want to use your vacation time for this, but your recovery is a priority right now. FMLA. FMLA grants you 12 weeks of unpaid medical leave without the risk of losing your job.

Can you be terminated for working under the influence?

Under this act, employers cannot terminate or discriminate against people in treatment. That said, this does not protect you if you come to work under the influence.

Can I prepay my bills?

In addition to automatic payments, you can choose to prepay certain bills that tend to always be the same amount. Talk to your cellular phone and Internet providers to find out if it is possible to pay your bills several months in advance. Generally, insurance providers and credit lenders are willing to take prepayments when a person would prefer to avoid worrying about a late payment. In some instances, this can even lower the interest charged for certain debts. Prepaying your bills also allows you to relax in the first few weeks after you return from rehab.

Can you have a financial guardian while in rehab?

Even with the best of planning, there may still be some bills that arise while you’re away from home. For this reason, it’s helpful to appoint a close friend or family member as your financial guardian. Ideally, the person you choose should be someone you trust. If you expect to be in rehab for a short time, you can simply ask them to watch your accounts and pay any that become due.

What happens when you go to rehab?

When you complete rehab, you work on your addiction issues and other mental health issues that have probably taken up much of your thought and energy.

Why do you go to rehab?

You give your co-workers peace of mind by choosing to go to rehab to address your alcohol or drug problem. Your decision to get treatment shows that you recognize your alcohol and drug problem was getting in the way of work. You might even see that you are respected more because of your decision.

What is the ADA for alcoholics?

The ADA provides protection to alcoholics and recovering addicts who chose to go to drug and alcohol rehab. Your employer is required to make reasonable accommodations, such as change your work schedule so you can attend AA/NA meetings or allow you to take a leave of absence to attend alcohol and drug rehab.

How long can you take FMLA?

You are allowed 12 weeks of medical leave in a 12-month period. If you choose to enter an inpatient drug rehab program, the FMLA law protects you from being terminated.

How many people know someone who has been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at work?

Many professionals struggle with alcoholism and addiction. Surveys show that 60 percent of American adults know someone who has been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at work. Even drug abuse among healthcare professionals is becoming commonplace. Chances are, someone knows that you do.

What to do when you are not telling your coworkers?

If you choose to not tell your coworkers, that is your decision. However, being honest with yourself and living a life of self-acceptance is one of the most important changes you must make in recovery.

How can case managers help you?

Case managers can help protect your job. You’re living a double life. You go to work and have a family and friends. But the other side is darker. You drink or do drugs to get through your day. You even sneak in a buzz or high in the middle of your work day to get you past the grind. You’re not alone, though.

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