From Fortune:



In the U.S., substance abuse among adults 60 and over is a growing health problem. Approximately 4 million people aged 65 or older had a substance use disorder in the past year. Medicare offers coverage for the treatment of alcoholism and substance use disorders, including inpatient and outpatient treatment, therapy, patient education, follow-up care, and prescription drugs. Medicare Advantage plans and supplemental Medicare insurance can also provide coverage for rehab. In 2024, there will be new changes to improve access to mental health providers and facilities for therapy and substance use disorder treatment. Congress and CMS have closed the gap between inpatient and outpatient SUD treatment, introducing intensive outpatient services as an alternative to hospitalization. This will allow patients to receive 9-20 hours of outpatient SUD services in various settings.



Original: Does Medicare cover rehab for drug and alcohol addiction? Yes, and here’s exactly what it will pay for