Everything You Need to Know About Medi-Cal Rehab

Medi-Cal rehab is California’s healthcare program for low-income individuals who are seeking treatment for substance use disorder symptoms.

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What Is Medi-Cal?

If you or a loved one need help finding substance use disorder treatment options, it is important to understand how Medi-Cal rehab and healthcare works and how it may benefit you.

Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid health care program for individuals and families with low income or resources. Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost health care services to those who are eligible.¹

Is Anyone Exempt From Medi-Cal Benefits?

Anyone who meets eligibility can apply for Medi-Cal benefits regardless of:

Race
Gender
Sexual orientation
Age
Marital status
Disability
National origin

As long as you meet the requirements within the state of California, you can receive Medi-Cal benefits. There are a few other eligibility requirements that may affect you or a loved one, however. It is important to look into whether you qualify or not.

To determine whether you meet the Medi-Cal eligibility requirements, you can go to California’s Department of Health Care Services website.

How Is Medi-Cal Different From Medicare and Medicaid?

Many people have heard the terms Medicare and Medicaid. However, how are these programs different from Medi-Cal? Is there a difference between the help they provide?

Here’s what you should know:

Medicare

Medicare is a federal health insurance for people who are 65 years of age or older. People with certain disabilities or conditions may also be eligible to receive Medicare. Since it is a federally funded program, Medicare sets the standards for costs and coverage.²

Unlike Medi-Cal rehab, with Medicare, your income does not determine eligibility. Medicare is based on age or certain disabilities. An individual may have both Medi-Cal and Medicare, also referred to as Medi-Medi.

Medicaid

Medi-Cal and Medicaid are very similar. They are both joint federal- and state-funded health coverage programs offered to those with low income.

These programs are administered by the state based on federal requirements. Medi-Cal is specific to California, whereas Medicaid is a federal, nationwide program.³

Why Should People Use Medi-Cal Rehab for Recovery?

The benefits of using Medi-Cal rehab programs for recovery include being provided with low or no-cost services. The Medi-Cal rehab programs are certified programs focused on specializing in the treatment of addiction and other substance use disorders.

Using a Medi-Cal program means that not only are you getting treatment for drug or alcohol issues, but you will also be provided with:

Outpatient services
Counseling
Community support
Education and skills training
Case management services
Medication management
Intensive care and healing

Comprehensive Mental Healthcare

Many Medi-Cal rehab programs are also designed to treat co-occurring mental health conditions. This means that treatment is not only focused on addiction recovery, but on treating other mental health or medical concerns that may be contributing to substance use.

Getting to the root of both disorders can help treat your symptoms holistically and provide you the care you or a loved one need to heal.

The Importance of Medi-Cal Rehab Programs

Across the country, millions of people are affected by substance use disorders. In fact, nearly 12% of Medicaid beneficiaries over the age of 18 have a substance use disorder.⁴However, programs like Medi-Cal can help with recovery.

Some important benefits of Medi-Cal rehab include:

Learn About Addiction

Treatment programs can help individuals learn about addiction and the impact that a substance use disorder can have on their physical and mental health. Most Medi-Cal rehab programs will help individuals explore their risk factors so that they can work to overcome them.

Break the Addictive Cycle

Medi-Cal rehab programs give people the chance and opportunity to break the cycle of addiction. It gives them the opportunity to be in a safe, drug-free environment with people who will support and hold them accountable.

Address Underlying Issues

Medi-Cal rehab programs can also help address underlying issues that may be contributing to substance use. Treatment programs can help look into any underlying mental health condition, trauma, or other problem that might be drawing an individual towards drug and alcohol use.⁵

Build New Habits and Learn New Skills

Most individuals dealing with addiction issues need help developing healthy coping mechanisms. A critical part of the recovery process is learning to set goals and how to accomplish those goals.

Medi-Cal rehab programs provide treatment plans for individuals to focus on and work towards their set goals.

Another aspect of treatment programs is the education of skills. These could include practical skills, such as resume building, or skills focused on using healthy coping techniques to work through risk factors. Life skills training is an important aspect in the prevention of relapse.⁶

Learn to Establish Healthy Boundaries

Programs like Medi-Cal rehab help individuals learn to create healthy boundaries and form healthy relationships. Many people who struggle with addiction may also have strained relationships with loved ones. Treatment programs can help individuals relearn how to have healthy and positive relationships.

How Does Medi-Cal Rehab Compare to Other Treatment Programs?

A residential or inpatient program is a live-in form of treatment. It differs from other substance use disorder treatment in how long it takes to complete.

Typical inpatient programs have a length of stay between 30 to 90 days, with some programs being as long as one year. These programs can provide:

Individual, group, and family counseling
Support groups
Medication management
Case management services
Life skills training
Help with re-entering society and the workforce

Some other Medi-Cal programs for addiction treatment include:

Outpatient Programs

The difference between Medi-Cal rehab and outpatient programs is the requirement to live in the facility vs. returning home. Outpatient programs are less intense than residential programs. They allow the individual to return home after the program day ends.

Outpatient programs often only consist of group or individual counseling and may not include medication assistance. These programs can be from one to five days a week and run for a few hours a day or more.

Detox Program

A detox program is focused on withdrawing from the substance. These are typically short-term treatments in which an individual resides in a facility to get medical support to manage withdrawal symptoms.

Detox programs can last anywhere from three to seven days, depending on the detox symptoms and substance one is detoxing from.

Get Help at Horizon Treatment Services

At Horizon Treatment Services, we are invested in preventing addiction and its far-reaching impacts by providing all the assistance and education we can.

It’s important to us to be able to help individuals receive and find the support they need, such as guiding them through the Medi-Cal rehab process if needed.

How We Can Help

Horizon Treatment Services provides three programs that offer Medi-Cal benefits. Palm Avenue, Project Eden Youth Services, and Project Eden Adult Outpatient all provide access to Medi-Cal rehab for individuals who are looking for treatment.

We will work with you at each of our Medi-Cal rehab centers in order to give you the personalized care and support you need for recovery.

Creating a Safe, Holistic Space to Heal

Substance use disorder is a serious issue that may affect you and your loved ones for years to come. We can help guide you in your healing and recovery journey. Reach out to Horizon Treatment Services today.