Understanding Medicare and addiction treatment

Using Medicare for drug and alcohol rehab at The Hader Clinic

Medicare is an essential part of Australia's healthcare system, but it doesn’t cover private residential rehab. If you need inpatient addiction treatment, there are alternative funding options to help you start recovery without delay.

Faites une auto-évaluation ou parlez à quelqu'un dès maintenant, sans aucune obligation.

Une séance de thérapie, où quelques résidents ont passé leurs bras autour des épaules d'une résidente qui partage son histoire.

Government-funded programs may help cover costs

Alternative funding options are available

Une assistance est disponible pour trouver la solution adaptée.

Compassionate, expert care for your recovery

A closeup of the hands of a therapist and a resident in one-on-one therapy.
Comprendre vos options de financement

What Medicare does and doesn’t cover for rehab

Medicare may cover visits to GPs and specialists, where individuals can receive assessments, referrals, and mental health treatment plans. Therapy sessions, such as psychological counselling, may also be subsidised under Medicare’s Better Access initiative. Some addiction-related medications are available at a reduced cost under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). In limited cases, public hospital services may provide medically supervised detox or brief interventions.

However, Medicare cannot be used to fund any residential or inpatient services at The Hader Clinic — this includes detox, rehab, or extended stays; individuals who require medical supervision during withdrawal may need to seek alternative funding options. Most allied health services outside of mental health plans, such as specialised addiction counselling and holistic therapies, are also not covered.

Nous vous appellerons quand cela vous conviendra, sans aucune pression pour vous engager.

Exploring alternative funding options

How to access addiction treatment without private insurance

Even without Medicare, there are still accessible funding options to get the support you need. The Australian government funds a range of programs designed to help people access addiction treatment.

Vous ne savez pas par où commencer ? Faites une auto-évaluation ou prenez rendez-vous pour discuter – les deux sont 100 % confidentiels.

Government-funded support programs

These programs provide free or low-cost addiction treatment for eligible individuals:

  • State & Territory Public Rehab Services: Some government-funded facilities offer addiction treatment at reduced costs or free of charge.
  • Low-Income Support Programs: If you meet certain financial criteria, you may qualify for assistance.
  • Other Government Assistance: Depending on your circumstances, additional funding bodies may be able to help cover rehab costs.

Autres options de financement pour la réadaptation

If you're not eligible for government-funded rehab, there are alternative ways to fund treatment at The Hader Clinic:

Nous travaillons avec les principaux assureurs santé.

Assurance maladie privée que nous acceptons

Vos prochaines étapes

Comment trouver la bonne option de financement pour votre séjour en rééducation

étape
1

Parlez avec notre équipe

We’ll assess your situation and explain our low-income options, payment plans and super access funding.

étape
2

Apply for funding assistance

If you qualify for government or alternative funding, we can support you through the application process.

étape
3

Commencez votre rétablissement

Once funding is arranged, we’ll help you start your treatment as soon as possible.

Faites une auto-évaluation ou parlez à quelqu'un dès maintenant, sans aucune obligation.

Comprendre les coûts

À quoi s'attendre lorsque l'on finance soi-même sa rééducation

Medicare won’t cover inpatient rehab, but it may support mental health care before or after your stay. We’ll help clarify how it fits into your care and what to plan for.

A closeup of the hands of a couple working out their finances with a calculator and a budgeting spreadsheet, to ensure they can afford a place in inpatient rehab. Even without Medicare, our funding options can make rehab much more accessible.

Passez à l'étape suivante

If you’re ready to explore funding options for addiction treatment, we’re here to help. Click below to get an assessment, book a chat, or contact us directly.

Passez une évaluation en ligne gratuite

Répondez à un petit questionnaire confidentiel pour savoir si une cure de désintoxication pourrait vous aider et découvrir les options de soutien sécurisées qui s'offrent à vous.

Réservez une consultation gratuite

 Prenez rendez-vous pour un entretien confidentiel avec un spécialiste à l'heure qui vous convient.

Appelez-nous dès maintenant

 Parlez immédiatement à quelqu'un pour obtenir des conseils et du soutien.

Des histoires vraies, un changement réel

Témoignages et témoignages de clients

Many people enter rehab without private health insurance, and we’ve helped them find funding solutions that work. Recovery is possible — see how others have taken the first step.

Notre engagement envers des soins de qualité

Accréditation et normes

Nous répondons à des exigences d'accréditation strictes, garantissant ainsi à chaque patient un traitement professionnel et fondé sur des preuves, dans un environnement sûr et favorable.

Rétablissement dans un environnement sûr et accueillant

Nos installations et nos sites

Our two treatment centres offer different types of care depending on what you need. In Geelong, we provide short-term hospital detox with full medical supervision in a licensed facility. In Essendon, our residential rehab program focuses on daily structure, therapy, and holistic support. Both locations are designed to work together, helping you move from stabilisation through to long-term recovery.

Programme de réadaptation pour patients hospitalisés et programme de logement de transition

Essendon
150-152 Cooper St, Essendon VIC 3040

Centre hospitalier de réadaptation proposant un programme de sevrage et de désintoxication de 28 jours

Geelong
6-8 Townsend Road, St Albans Park VIC 3219
Obtenez des conseils d'experts

Contactez notre équipe pour une évaluation

If you’re unsure about your funding options for drug and alcohol rehab, we’re here to help. Contact us today to discuss how we can make treatment accessible to you.

Parlez à quelqu'un qui comprend

Merci ! Votre demande a bien été reçue !
Oups ! Une erreur s'est produite lors de l'envoi du formulaire.
VOUS POUVEZ TOUJOURS NOUS CONTACTER POUR OBTENIR DES RÉPONSES

Questions fréquentes

What mental health services does Medicare actually cover?

Medicare can help cover a range of mental health services that may support your recovery journey. This includes:

  • Mental Health Care Plans (MHCPs): Rebated sessions with a psychologist or psychiatrist (up to 10 per year)
  • The Better Access Initiative: Subsidised therapy sessions for mental health support
  • Chronic Disease Management Plans (CDMs): Rebates for long-term conditions, which may include addiction
  • Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS): Reduced-cost medications related to addiction treatment
  • Medicare Safety Net: Helps reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses for people who need frequent care

These supports can be accessed through your GP and may play an important role alongside or before residential treatment.

Can I use Medicare to help with pre-treatment support?

Yes. While Medicare doesn’t cover private residential rehab, it can help with some of the care you might need before treatment begins. This includes GP consultations, therapy sessions under a mental health plan, or support for managing addiction-related medications. These services can help you prepare for treatment while you explore funding options.

What are my options if I only have Medicare and no savings?

If you don’t have private health insurance or savings, you still have options. You might be eligible for:

  • Public rehab through state-funded services
  • No-interest or low-interest healthcare loans
  • Superannuation access under compassionate grounds
  • Payment plans tailored to your financial situation
  • Government hardship assistance or concession-based support

Our team can help you explore all available options and find a funding solution that fits your needs.

Can I use Medicare for addiction counselling or outpatient drug rehab services?

Yes. Medicare may subsidise mental health services, including counselling, under a Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP. This can help with addiction-related therapy.

Are there public rehab options that Medicare can help with?

Medicare does not fully cover public rehab, but state-funded programs may offer free or low-cost services. Availability varies, so it’s best to check locally.

Can I combine Medicare with other funding options?

Yes. Some people use Medicare for GP visits and therapy while funding rehab through payment plans, superannuation, or government support programs.

What if I need urgent treatment but can't afford it?

If private rehab isn’t an option, consider state-funded detox programs or crisis support services. We can also help you explore payment options to start sooner.

How do I find out what funding I qualify for?

Our team can guide you through eligibility checks for Medicare benefits, state-funded programs, and financial assistance to help you access treatment sooner.