02 May What is the Cost of Ongoing Ketamine Treatment?

Millions struggle with mental health issues every day. For many years, the only options were specific medications designed to treat these issues, mainly prescription medications known as benzodiazepines. While these medications may prove effective for some, they are not suitable for everyone, and the risk of addiction is relatively high.

Thanks to studies and research involving ketamine, patients are finding a new way to effectively manage their mental health issues without needing pills.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Ketamine Treatment

Ketamine can be effective for managing mental health issues.¹ Still, before starting a treatment regimen, it’s essential to understand the potential costs involved.

A few factors can affect the overall cost of long-term care:

• The type of treatment: IV infusions, intranasal injections, sublingual and oral tablets
• Type of treatment facility, location, and experience level of staff
• Costs for testing and follow-up care
• Interventions or changes in treatment

Ketamine is only safe when given by a medical professional. Attempts to self-diagnose and self-treat can lead to potentially severe side effects.²

Average Cost of Ketamine Treatment

The cost of ketamine treatment can vary wildly based on the type of treatment performed and the facility used.

• For example, oral ketamine treatment is the cheapest and can run anywhere from $75 to $200 per treatment (or more depending on location, fees, and surcharges).

• Intranasal sprays are a bit more expensive, ranging from around $300 and up per bottle. This type of treatment can take effect quickly because it does not need to pass through the digestive system.
• The most common treatment type due to its effectiveness is IV infusion. These treatments start at around $400 per session. Like nasal sprays, IV infusion allows for fast effects since treatment bypasses the digestive system. Some patients only need treatments every few months to manage their symptoms.

Insurance Coverage for Ketamine Treatment

If you have Medicare or Medicaid, your options for treatment may be limited. Medicare and Medicaid currently do not cover most forms of ketamine treatment. Currently, only nasal injections are paid for by insurance, and there may be limitations regarding how much of the treatment is covered and how often.

However, some states run their own Medicare and Medicaid programs, so be sure to check the guidelines in your state regarding mental health treatment, as the guidelines are updated often.

Private insurance may present similar limitations in terms of whether or not they will cover ketamine treatment. In most cases, insurance policies do not yet cover Ketamine as a treatment type for mental health disorders and will only cover it as a type of anesthetic. Again, this will vary by the insurance provider as many providers have expanded their mental health policies and now provide at least some treatment coverage for patients.

Even if the treatment itself is not covered, you may receive financial support for consultations, follow-up visits, and support care, which can help to offset part of the overall cost of treatment.

It is a practical idea to speak with your insurance agent to discuss your existing policy and find out if there is any financial assistance for the treatment you can purchase through your provider.

Financial Assistance For Ketamine Treatment

If you don’t currently have coverage for ketamine treatments, you still have options.
Start by discussing the situation with your insurance provider to see if there are ways to cover some of the costs.

If you have a healthcare spending account (HSA), you may be able to use that to pay for some or all of your treatments. Financing options and installment plans are also available in some cases to help cover the cost. If you are a military veteran, you may be able to access veteran’s assistance benefits to help cover the cost of treatment.

There are many resources for ketamine treatment, but doing your research is crucial to understand your options. Financial assistance and insurance can take time to get approved, and once you start treatment, you don’t want to stop halfway through.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Ketamine Treatment Provider

If ketamine treatment seems like it could be the appropriate aid for your mental health, there are a few other things to consider before choosing a provider.

First, you’ll need to ensure the facility you choose has experience in using ketamine for mental health issues. Ketamine has existed for many years, but its use in mental health treatment requires expert supervision to prevent overdoses and complications.

Second, check out the reputation of the facility you are using. Look at patient reviews and testimonials to ensure you use a trustworthy facility that treats its patients well.

Lastly, ask the facility about additional support and treatment services they offer to help you adjust to your new treatment regimen and deal with any side effects, which is especially helpful for long-term success.

Last Words

Ketamine can be an effective medication for managing mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Still, before you start a new treatment, you should consider the benefits and costs. How you receive the treatment, the type of facility you use, the experience of the doctors, and the support plan all impact the total cost. Make sure you also consider the experience of the facility you choose, the support they offer, and how well they treat patients before making your final decision.