Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. It provides needed health care services for low-income individuals and families. Those who are eligible can receive substance abuse treatment through Drug Medi-Cal certified programs.
Policy Coverage for Substance Abuse
Medi-Cal is a Medicaid program in the state of California that offers free or low-cost health coverage for families and individuals with limited income and resources. Members who are eligible and struggling with alcohol or drug abuse can receive substance use disorder (SUD) services at a Drug Medi-Cal certified program. Many of Medi-Cal’s services, including those for treating substance use disorders, are made accessible through waiver programs.
Poverty rates in California are the highest in the United States, the Sacramento Bee publishes, with 19 percent of Californians — representing 7 million people — living below the federal poverty line (FPL). Just over 7 percent of California residents are without health insurance.
There are nearly 2,000 licensed treatment centers for drug abuse and addiction in the state of California, per the Orange County Register. Many of them provide options for people who do not have insurance or otherwise may not be able to afford treatment services.
Free drug rehab options are often funded through federal or state grants, or they are nonprofit organizations. There are also many drug rehab facilities that accept Medicare and Medicaid and/or traditional insurance providers. Drug abuse and addiction treatment providers may provide services on a sliding-scale as well, which means they will take into account a person’s finances and ability to pay, and then charge rates that are manageable for the individual.