Free Rehabs in Massachusetts

If you’ve decided to seek treatment for a substance addiction, then you have taken the first and vital step toward recovery. The next decision to make is this: Which treatment program is right for you?

Cost is one of the biggest barriers to entering addiction treatment. Prices of rehab programs range from free to thousands of dollars, depending on the type and level of services provided. Many insurance plans cover the full cost of treatment programs, but if you don’t have insurance, you still have options. In Massachusetts, you can access treatment with or without health insurance.

This article provides an overview of some of the best low-cost or free rehabs in Massachusetts.

Government-Funded Rehabs

Rehabs that are supported by government funds (tax dollars) are often free or affordable. These programs are typically funded through grants or subsidies, and they can be a great alternative for those who are underinsured or uninsured.

Government-funded rehabs for alcoholism and drug addiction help those who are unemployed, uninsured, or unable to pay out-of-pocket find treatment programs that are either free or offered at a reduced cost. More than half of the treatment programs in Massachusetts receive some level of government funding.¹

If you are covered under Medicare or Medicaid (MassHealth), you may already be eligible for certain rehab services. In Massachusetts, 72% of programs accept Medicare and 85% accept Medicaid.¹

One drawback to government-funded rehabs is that resources are often limited, which means there may be a waiting list. This is another reason to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Some of the services offered through government-funded rehabs in Massachusetts include²

Prevention services
Residential treatment (Inpatient/Outpatient)
Ambulatory services (Outpatient)
Aftercare/Recovery support

Who Qualifies for Government-Funded Treatment in Massachusetts?

To qualify for government-funded treatment in Massachusetts, you may be required to meet specific criteria. Here are the most common requirements:

Be a U.S. citizen
Meet income eligibility requirements
Be without insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid
Be a resident of Massachusetts

Each program may have additional qualifying criteria, so it’s best to contact them directly for more information.

Non-Profit Rehabs

Non-profit rehabs are similar to government-funded rehabs. The main difference lies in where they secure their funding. Non-profits are usually supported by private donors and charity organizations, which allow them to offer services for free or at a reduced cost.

Some of the most common services offered through non-profit rehabs in Massachusetts include:

Detox programs
Inpatient rehab
Outpatient rehab

Faith-Based Rehabs

Churches and other faith-based programs typically receive funding from religious organizations, private donors, or charity foundations. This allows them to offer free or reduced-cost treatment programs. Most faith-based programs, such as Christian rehabs, have a strong religious or spiritual component within their treatment programs.

Some of the services offered through faith-based rehabs in Massachusetts include:

Detox programs
12-step programs
Inpatient rehab
Outpatient rehab
Clergy services

Affordable or Free Rehab with Insurance

If you have an insurance policy through MassHealth, Medicare, COBRA, or another private insurance plan, then the cost of your rehab may be fully or partially covered. In fact, 80% of the rehab programs in Massachusetts accept insurance.¹

It is best to contact your plan directly to learn more about what is covered under your specific policy.

Once you’ve determined that your Massachusetts-based insurance plan covers rehab services, you’ll then need to identify which of the Greater Boston rehabs accept your insurance plan.

Many insurance plans have convenient online directories that include a list of health care providers and services that are in-network.

You can also call your insurance plan directly and speak with a customer service agent who can guide you to the information you are looking for. Ask questions to be sure you understand what your out-of-pocket costs will be. Some insurance plans cover the entire cost of rehab, while others require co-pays or coinsurance.

Alternatively, you may call our 24/7 helpline at (857) 577-8193 to find a rehab in Massachusetts that accepts your insurance. One of our treatment support specialists can help you get connected with a treatment center that best suits your needs and budget.

List of Low-Cost & Free Rehabs in Massachusetts

If you don’t have insurance and you’re struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, you have other options.

Over 50% of treatment programs in Massachusetts offer free services for people who cannot afford to pay, and many programs also offer reduced-cost or sliding scale options.¹

If you’re looking for an affordable rehab program to begin treatment, the list below summarizes a few of the low-cost or free rehabs in Massachusetts.

Bay Cove Human Services

Bay Cove Human Services is an affordable non-profit drug rehab for adults in Boston. Each year they serve more than 25,000 individuals and families, and they provide a broad range of services from outpatient care to inpatient treatment.