Medicare Coverage for Addiction Treatment at AdCare

Medicare is a government-sponsored program designed to offer healthcare benefits primarily to individuals aged 65 and older, as well as younger individuals with specific disabilities or health conditions.¹ 

People with Medicare may access addiction treatment through certain facilities like AdCare Treatment Centers in New England. This page will answer common questions regarding the use of Medicare for addiction treatment.

Does Medicare Cover Drug & Alcohol Rehab?

Yes, Medicare does provide coverage for drug and alcohol addiction treatment.² However, patients need to select a treatment facility that accepts Medicare to access these benefits. The options available may vary depending on the specific type of Medicare coverage an individual has.¹

AdCare Treatment Centers in Rhode Island and Massachusetts offer a range of care options that accept either Medicare Part A or Part B.

What Types of Drug & Alcohol Rehab are Covered by Medicare?

Medicare can cover a variety of addiction treatment options, including:2

• Screening for alcohol use disorder (AUD).
• Inpatient care.
• Outpatient treatment.
• Day treatment programs.
• Treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD).
• Telehealth services.

The specific addiction treatment services covered will depend on the patient’s type of Medicare plan and what is considered medically necessary.

Do I Have to Pay Anything When Using Medicare for Drug Rehab?

Out-of-pocket costs for addiction treatment under Medicare can vary based on several factors:

• The specific Medicare plan the patient holds
• The type of addiction treatment received
• Whether additional insurance coverage is in place
• The patient’s status as a qualified Medicare beneficiary

Typically, patients will need to meet a deductible before Medicare covers the remaining treatment costs. A deductible is the fixed amount that must be paid annually before insurance begins to cover healthcare expenses.³

Unlike some other insurance plans, Medicare does not impose limits on the length of stay in a rehab program, as long as the patient fulfills their financial responsibilities.

How to Use Your Medicare to Cover Addiction Treatment

To verify your Medicare coverage at AdCare, you can use the secure or call an admissions navigator at with your Medicare details. Admissions navigators can assist you with:

• Starting the treatment admissions process.
• Understanding what to expect in inpatient treatment or outpatient care.
• Answering questions about using Medicare for addiction treatment.

If your plan requires prior authorization from Medicare for admission, the AdCare staff can help you navigate that process.

Using Medicare Part A for Addiction Rehab

Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital services, including drug and alcohol rehabilitation.⁴ 

AdCare Treatment Centers accept Medicare Part A for hospital-based addiction treatment for any length of stay, as long as the patient meets the required medical criteria. Patients can use Medicare Part A to cover treatment at AdCare’s Worcester, Massachusetts location.

Using Medicare Part B for Addiction Rehab

Medicare B covers outpatient treatment for mental health and addiction services.⁴

AdCare accepts Medicare B for outpatient rehabilitation services, including the intensive outpatient program (IOP) and day treatment program. Outpatient treatment at AdCare is still considered a hospital-based service, as opposed to a drug and alcohol clinic.

Services covered by Medicare B include:

• Evaluation.
• Group counseling.
• Individual counseling.

Medicare B can be used to cover services at AdCare’s:

• Outpatient drug & alcohol rehab in Warwick, RI.
• Outpatient drug & alcohol rehab in Worcester, MA.

Is Addiction Treatment Free with Medicare Coverage?

As noted earlier, most Medicare plans require patients to pay a deductible when accessing services. This applies to both Medicare Part A for hospital-based treatment and Medicare Part B for outpatient care. 

Patients with secondary MassHealth (Medicaid) coverage can use this supplemental insurance to help cover the deductible, potentially leading to no out-of-pocket expenses.

How Do I Get Medicare?

Patients can enroll in Medicare three months before turning 65, or even earlier if they have:⁵

• A disability.
• End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Once individuals apply for retirement benefits, Social Security disability, or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, they will be automatically enrolled in Medicare.⁶

For detailed instructions on how to sign up for Medicare, visit the official Medicare website.

After enrolling in Medicare Parts A and B, you can also apply for additional coverage through Medicare Part C or D. These plans offer supplemental benefits, such as coverage from former employers or extra services like vision and dental care.⁷

Use Medicare to Get Help at AdCare

Addiction is a treatable condition, and it’s never too late to seek help.8 AdCare admissions navigators are available at to assist you begin the admissions process. They can answer questions about the treatment options at AdCare, explain how to use Medicare to cover costs, and discuss other payment options for rehab.

Call today to get started on your journey toward recovery.