Medicare generally covers short-term stays in drug and alcohol rehab, but the exact length of time a person can stay depends on the level of care, medical necessity, and specific Medicare rules. Understanding how Medicare coverage works for detox, inpatient treatment, and follow-up care helps individuals and families plan realistically for treatment length and costs.

What Parts of Medicare Can Cover Addiction Treatment?

To understand coverage, start with the basics. Medicare is divided into parts that pay for different types of care. Substance use treatment may be covered under several of these parts if the services are medically necessary and provided by qualified facilities.

In many cases:

• Medicare Part A can cover inpatient hospital care and certain types of residential-style stays.
• Medicare Part B can cover outpatient services such as doctor visits, counseling, and some therapy.
• Medicare Part D can help with certain prescription medications related to treatment.

Coverage varies by situation, so the question is not just “Does Medicare cover rehab?” but “Which part of Medicare covers each stage of treatment?”

How Long Can Someone Stay in Inpatient Rehab on Medicare?

To understand length, it helps to know that Medicare focuses on medical necessity rather than a fixed number of days for everyone. In general, Medicare Part A can cover up to 90 days of inpatient hospital care per benefit period, with an additional 60 lifetime reserve days, but not all of that time is automatically approved for addiction treatment.

For substance use rehab, Medicare typically:

• Covers a defined period as long as a doctor documents that inpatient care is still medically necessary
• Requires ongoing review of progress and need for 24-hour care
• May transition a person to a lower level of care once they are stable

Many people use Medicare to support a focused stay in a structured setting similar in length to a 28–30 day rehab model, then step down into other levels of care covered by Part B.

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How Does a 28–30 Day Rehab Fit Into Medicare Coverage?

A 28–30 day stay aligns with a common treatment model where individuals receive intensive support in a structured environment for about one month. This timeframe often gives enough space for supervised withdrawal, stabilization, and the start of deeper therapeutic work.

A dedicated 28–30 day drug and alcohol rehab program can fit within Medicare-supported treatment planning when:

• A doctor determines that inpatient or residential-style care is medically necessary
• The facility meets Medicare standards and billing requirements
• The treatment team documents progress and ongoing need for care

While Medicare does not guarantee a specific 28–30 day stay for everyone, many treatment plans are built around this timeframe as a strong starting point for recovery.

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Does Medicare Cover Medical Detox and How Long Can It Last?

To answer this, consider that detox is often the first step and can be the most medically urgent. Medicare can cover medically supervised detox when it takes place in an approved setting and is ordered by a physician.

Detox length depends on:

• The substance used
• How long the person has been using
• Co-occurring medical or mental health conditions
• How safely and comfortably withdrawal can be managed

Some detoxes last just a few days, while others may require a week or longer. Once detox is complete, individuals usually transition into an inpatient, residential-style, or outpatient program for ongoing care, which can also be supported under Medicare depending on the level of service.

How Do Doctors Decide When Medicare Should Continue Covering Rehab?

To keep coverage active, providers must show that the person still needs that level of care. Medicare relies on clinical documentation rather than fixed calendar limits for addiction treatment.

Doctors look at factors such as:

• Whether the person can stay safe without 24-hour supervision
• Ongoing withdrawal or medical complications
• Cravings and relapse risk
• Ability to function in daily life
• Progress in therapy and treatment goals

If the person no longer needs intensive inpatient services, Medicare may still support them through outpatient therapy, follow-up appointments, and other structured treatment options.

What Happens When Inpatient Coverage Ends?

When inpatient coverage ends, it does not mean treatment is over. It means the level of care changes. Many people step down into partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, standard outpatient counseling, or support groups.

At that point, Medicare Part B may help cover:

• Outpatient counseling and therapy
• Psychiatric visits
• Medication management
• Certain follow-up services

We can help create a transition plan so the person does not lose support the moment their stay ends.

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Can Someone Return to Rehab Again Under Medicare?

Yes, it is possible to return to rehab under Medicare if future treatment is medically necessary and benefit periods and coverage limits allow it. However, frequent hospitalizations or repeated relapses may trigger closer review.

Returning to treatment might look like:

• A new inpatient admission after a relapse
• A shorter stabilization stay followed by more outpatient treatment
• A structured plan that uses lessons from previous rehab experiences

The key is medical documentation showing why another stay is necessary and how it supports the person’s health and safety.

How Do Costs Work for Rehab Under Medicare?

To understand financial responsibility, you need to look at deductibles, coinsurance, and any supplemental coverage the person might have. Medicare usually does not cover 100% of costs.

Typical cost factors include:

• Part A deductible for each benefit period
• Daily coinsurance amounts after a certain number of inpatient days
• Part B deductibles and coinsurance for outpatient care
• Whether the person has a Medigap policy or other supplemental coverage

Treatment centers experienced with Medicare can help families estimate these costs before or during admission.

How Can Families Plan Rehab Length With Medicare in Mind?

Planning is easier when you combine clinical needs with coverage realities. Families can:

• Ask the treatment center for a projected length of stay
• Talk to the billing team about how Medicare applies
• Prepare for step-down care after the initial stay
• Discuss relapse-prevention planning before discharge

Our 28–30 day drug and alcohol rehab track can build a clear timeline while still allowing flexibility based on medical necessity and coverage.

Final Takeaway

Medicare does not set one universal number of days that every person can stay in rehab. Instead, it covers addiction treatment based on medical necessity, level of care, and benefit rules across inpatient and outpatient services. Many people use Medicare to support a focused stay in a structured program similar in length to a 28–30 day rehab, then continue care through outpatient services and follow-up support. By working with Studio City Recovery and understanding how coverage works, individuals and families can build a realistic, multi-stage treatment plan that fits both clinical needs and Medicare guidelines.

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