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Sober Living Home Insurance Coverage & Payment Options

Many aftercare options are available to support individuals in their ongoing recovery, and for some, living in recovery housing, such as sober living homes, can be an important step. Sober living homes offer a safe, supportive environment free from alcohol and drugs, helping residents maintain their focus on recovery. Since these homes are not funded by state or government programs, you will typically need insurance or other financial resources to cover the costs.

What Are Sober Living Homes?

Sober living homes are designed for people recovering from substance use disorder (SUD), the clinical term for addiction.1 These group homes differ from a rehab facility in that they are generally not as intense or restrictive. With a residential inpatient program, you have close supervision; in a sober living home, you have the freedom to come and go when you want. Residents must abide by the sober living home rules and may be subject to drug testing. Sober living homes are ideal for people who have completed detox or an inpatient or outpatient program and are ready for more independence yet still want a degree of accountability and a strong support group.

Some of the characteristics of a sober living home include:2

  • A drug- and alcohol-free living environment.
  • Ongoing 12-step meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
  • Sober living home rules (e.g., drug testing).
  • Rent, utilities, and other costs.
  • An open door for residents to stay for as long as they want so long as they comply with the sober living home rules.

How Much Do Sober Living Homes Cost?

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) work to ensure that sober living homes can exist and thrive in neighborhoods.5 These laws call for reasonable rental costs for a given area. For example, if the average cost to rent a room in your city is $550 per month, that would be the average amount you would pay for a sober living home.

Still, the cost of sober living homes varies based on several factors, including:

  • The location of the sober living home.
  • The room types offered (e.g., private or shared).
  • The amenities included (e.g., gym, pool, transportation to therapy).
  • The utilities.
  • How long you plan to live there.
  • If there are medical professionals on-site.

Does Health Insurance Cover Sober Living?

Does insurance cover sober housing while in rehab? In some instances, insurance will not provide coverage for sober living homes. Through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance providers must cover 10 essential benefits, including SUD treatment.3 While sober living homes are designed to help people recover from addiction in a safe and supportive environment, often, they are not considered treatment facilities. However, it’s always best to check with your insurance directly to verify your plan’s specific coverage.

How to Find a Sober Living Home

You can find a sober living home in many ways. If you are completing a formal treatment program, the staff can likely help you find a sober living home or other resources that meet your needs. You might also start by searching online directories or local recovery resources for options in your area. Before choosing a sober living home, check that they are accredited by organizations like the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). It’s also a good idea to read reviews and do an in-person tour to make sure the environment, house rules, and support systems align with your recovery goals.

Need additional resources? American Addiction Centers (AAC) can help. Our rehab directory allows you to enter your location and filter by “sober living home” to find a sober living house covered by insurance. You can also contact an admissions navigator for free at to learn more about treatment options.

How to Pay for a Sober Living Home if Insurance Doesn’t Cover It

Paying for sober living is still possible even without insurance. Sober living homes often function like regular housing, so you can cover costs just as you would with rent—through employment, family support, and savings. Disability payments may also assist those who qualify. If you’re in an outpatient treatment program, insurance may provide some coverage, like therapy, which can help reduce your overall expenses. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also provides grants and funding for facilities to assist eligible individuals with sober living.6 You can also reach out to a sober living home to learn what types of assistance they may offer.

Learn more: How to Get Into Rehab Without Insurance

Start Your Recovery

Addiction is treatable, but many people find they need support after completing a formal treatment program.7 Living a recovery lifestyle often requires participation in various aftercare activities. Counseling, 12-step meetings, and outpatient care are just a few of the common forms of aftercare that can help you maintain recovery and live a fulfilling life.

Whether you are looking to kickstart your recovery with inpatient treatment or sustain your recovery with aftercare options such as sober living homes, American Addiction Centers (AAC) is here to help. You can call our confidential and free helpline at 24/7 to learn more about addiction treatment and get resources and support.

Learn more about AAC facilities:

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